AUCKLAND, Today: A magical stingray living in the Mangawhai Estuary is at the centre of the latest story book adventure released by Auckland-based Boyd PR to raise funds for the Northland Rescue Helicopter.
Written in-house and illustrated by Auckland artist Tony McNeight, Cheeky Charlie to the Rescue follows the service’s new chopper, Charlie, on “his” first day on the job when an urgent rescue call comes in.
Once again, the story book series features brother and sister duo Ollie and Tia who are no strangers to getting themselves into trouble. This time they encounter a friendly stingray who goes by the name of Tipene while out exploring the waterways around Mangawhai on an old tyre tube.
This fourth instalment in series follows the success of Mighty Mike to the Rescue, Lima Leaps to the Rescue, and Juliet to the Rescue.
“The books are such a hit with kids because they give the choppers a personality, and bring them to life.”
Like the previous books, the story incorporates te reo and Māori legend as an educational element as well as reflecting the influence and importance of the Māori population in Northland.
Boyd PR GM Scott Kara says the agency has worked with the Northland Emergency Services Trust 10 years and the books are now an annual tradition. “The series started from us developing creative and fun ways for the rescue chopper to raise valuable funds to keep them flying, but they’re also a great way to raise awareness about the lifesaving work the service does.
“Given the success of the first three books, it seemed only fair to give Charlie, the newest chopper in the fleet, his time in the spotlight,” he said.
Northland Rescue Helicopter GM Vanessa Furze says the books are such a hit with kids because they give the choppers a personality of their own and bring them to life.
“Like the previous books, we think Charlie will be just as popular with parents as he will be with kids. Setting it in Mangawhai is also a chance to showcase yet another beautiful part of Northland,” she said.
The book will be launched at three Northland primary schools during the Northland Rescue Helicopter Annual Appeal.
- The books can be purchased online here: https://www.nest.org.nz/bookstore/
CREDITS
Client: Northland Emergency Services Trust
Agency: Boyd PR
Managing Director: John Boyd
Author and Project Lead: Scott Kara
Illustration: Tony McNeight
Account Support: Sophie Sager
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