Pilots the ‘heroes’

It’s hard to know which was more popular at Cannons Creek School last week – Conrad Smith or the Westpac rescue helicopter.

The annual appeal for the helicopter service is on this month, and Smith made the three-minute trip from Wellington to land on the school’s field.

There was excitement when the chopper flew over, but to have it land and a well-known Hurricane and All Black step out sent the kids into a frenzy.

In the school hall, Smith told the assembled students and teachers that the pilots and medics on board the choppers were the ‘‘real heroes’’.

Following a chaotic game of rugby that included the entire school, he told Kapi-mana News that rugby has a tradition of supporting the Chopper Appeal through the New Zealand Rugby Players Association.

‘‘It’s such a worthy cause that we’re happy to be behind.

‘‘ I like coming out here [Porirua], the kids are very cool, big supporters of the Canes; and I’ve played a bit at Porirua Park.’’

Every dollar raised this month goes back to the service, which is operated through 16 charitable trusts nationwide. Westpac funds the marketing and administration of the appeal.

Donate online at chopper appeal.co.nz, text ‘‘chopper’’ to 3181 for a $ 3 donation or donate at any Westpac branch.

Pass it! Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith showed his excellent distribution skills during a boisterous game of touch rugby at Cannons Creek School – with every student taking part.