56 | Kelly Deeks Charteris Choppers does the heavy lifting Like many businesses, Charteris Choppers took a hit after Cyclone Gabrielle. RURAL SERVICES » Charteris Choppers In the small northern Hawke’s Bay town of Wairoa, Charteris Choppers continues to work hard on the land, in the air, and across the community. The husband-and-wife team of Blake and Sarah Charteris have built their business around one core idea: supporting local people with versatile and safe helicopter services. From shifting fencing supplies to lifting power poles, Charteris Choppers does the heavy lifting, literally, for Wairoa’s farmers, forestry operators, and utility providers. Like many rural businesses, Charteris Choppers took a hit after Cyclone Gabrielle, as on-farm work dried up and their core customer base was forced into recovery mode. “The cyclone was hard on everyone,” Sarah says. “Farmers pulled back for a while, because when times are tough, things like helicopter fertiliser spreading, thistle spraying, and lifting gear in for fencing are the first things to go.” But the signs of recovery are showing. “Now they’re starting to feel more confident again and when the farmers are doing well, we feel that too. It’s a great sign for the whole region.” That farmer confidence translates into busy days for Blake and the Charteris Choppers crew and their two helicopters: ‘Harry,’ a Hughes 500D that can lift up to 500kg, and ‘Wilson,’ a B3 Squirrel capable of lifting 1.4 tonnes. Wilson’s arrival to the fleet in 2020 allowed Charteris Choppers to expand into heavier lifting and commercial work, including jobs for the local lines companies and forestry contractors. The increased capability has also brought new opportunities for the business to collaborate with government and regional recovery projects. “There’s always something going on in the air. Especially with the lifting work, and Blake loves the challenge of it,” Sarah says. “It’s a different kind of flying, and he’s really enjoying getting into it.” The Charteris Choppers team is now working closely with forestry contractors to help clear slash from waterways around Wairoa and Gisborne in places that are too remote for ground access. “It’s important work,” Sarah says. “Removing that slash helps towards safer communities in big weather events. It’s a job we’re pleased to be part of.” While the flying work is expanding, some things remain constant. “We’ve had the same pilot and ground crew team for several years,” Sarah says. “They’re reliable, experienced, and really connected with our customers which is awesome. Having that continuity really helps with business growth.” The biggest personal change for the Charteris family has been a recent move from Wairoa back home to Gisborne, where their three children can grow up closer to grandparents and extended family. But the ties to Wairoa remain strong. “We built our brand on being locally owned and operated and we’re still hugely committed to Wairoa, even though the Cyclone prompted the move to enjoy more time with family,” Sarah says. “It’s just business as usual. We enjoy sponsoring the local rugby team and other rural events, working alongside farmers, and keeping those strong community connections going.” With a blend of grit, local pride, and a flexible approach to business, Charteris Choppers is well positioned to keep flying high, whatever the season brings. “Every job is a little different, and that’s what we love about it,” Sarah says. It’s rewarding to help keep the region moving forward.” Educhem is a recognized agricultural training company which specialises in delivering courses to clients to t their agricultural and agrichemical needs. We are happy to come and discuss a client’s needs and adapt training courses that are applicable to their business as well as meeting the training requirements of CAA, RMA, Worksafe and EPA. Proudly supporting Charteris Choppers Freephone: 0800 338 2436 Web: www.educhem.co.nz Email: info@educhem.co.nz Educhem SPECIALIST AGRICHEMICAL EDUCATORS BLAKE CHARTERIS - OWNER & PILOT Wairoa Airport 027 443 4141 info@charterischoppers.co.nz | www.charterischoppers.co.nz Blake Charteris.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=