2024 ‘Drive, Ride, Play’ Lottery Results:
Photo credit: Simon Cartwright Photography.
“When I bought the ticket we were travelling to Rotorua and I remember I kept seeing Rangers on the road. I said to my wife ‘maybe it’s a sign’, my wife said ‘you’re dreaming.’This is living proof that it’s good to dream!” - 37 year old Austin Parina from Akina, Hastings, Winner of the first prize of 2024's Rescue Helicopter Lottery.
1st prize winner – Austin Parina, Hastings
- A Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0l V6 4WD valued at $86,500 (inc GST).
2nd prize winner - Marilyn Skyrme, Napier
- A Scott Strike Eride 940 mountain bike – Large frame (Blue),
- A Scott Strike Eride Contessa 930 mountain bike – Medium frame (Bronze) and
- 2 x HBMTBC Adult Membership (2024 / 2025) all valued at $15,150 (inc GST).
3rd prize winner – Alan Cole, Auckland
- MacBook Air 13″, iPhone 15 28gb, iPad 10.2 wifi, Apple watch 45mm and Apple TV 64gb, all valued at $5175 (inc GST).
‘A Dream Come True’ for Rescue Helicopter Lottery Winner
The winner of this year’s Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust ‘Drive, Ride, Play’ Lottery had a premonition he might win the grand prize Ford Ranger but had to see it to believe it. Austin Parina, 37, from Akina, Hastings, was busy at work as a project technician at Te Whatu Ora when he received the call. Initially, he thought it was a hoax. “I’m still processing it. I’ve never won anything before. This is my first win, and I’m on cloud nine—I might even sleep in it tonight!”
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0l 4WD, provided by Bay Ford Hastings, is valued at over $86,000. Austin recalled seeing Rangers frequently on a trip to Rotorua and telling his wife it might be a sign. “This is living proof it’s good to dream!”
He plans to take his wife and three children on a road trip during the school holidays. “It’s a big step up from our Toyota Prius!”
Now in its second year, the lottery raises vital funds for the Trust, which completes over 400 rescue missions annually. HBRHT’s CEO Andy Quayle expressed gratitude for the community support, particularly during tough economic times.
“Congratulations to all our winners and thank you again to everyone who purchased a ticket. The community support we continue to receive is humbling and we remain grateful for these contributions that help keep our life saving service free and accessible for everyone across Hawkes Bay.”
