Kaikoura Helicopters has partnered with marine welfare organisation Project Jonah.

Project Jonah General Manager Jonah Daren Grover says New Zealand boasts a record of being visited by almost half the known species of whales and dolphins in the world, but sadly some of these end up stranded on our beaches, needing our help to return to the ocean.

“It takes hard work, expertise and specialist knowledge and equipment to do this.”

Last month, Project Jonah worked with a team of experts in Timaru, successfully re-floating a 15 metre long sperm whale stranded in Caroline Bay.

“Sperm whales are the largest predator in the world, and we have an amazing opportunity to view them in Kaikoura, where these whales spend several years living just off the coast.”

Group Marketing Manager GCH Aviation, owner of Kaikoura Helicopters, says “we are always looking for a way to give back to the communities in which we operate, that fit with our values.”

“We’ve always admired the work of Project Jonah, responding to whales in distress throughout New Zealand, and after watching the rescue unfold in Timaru, we thought now was the time to reach out and offer our support.”

Kaikoura Helicopters are giving customers two options to support Project Jonah.

You can donate at the helicopter’s office or donate when you book a flight.

Project Jonah is a registered charity and has been saving whales since 1974. To find out more or to donate, visit their website here: www.projectjonah.org.nz