A Christchurch helicopter company helping in Vanuatu has been grounded by a lack of funds.

Garden City Helicopters sent two of its helicopters to the struggling nation to help distribute aid amongst the islands following Cyclone Pam.

But group marketing manager Alison Fleming says the Vanuatu government has run out of money to keep the helicopters in the air.

"We really need to raise funds to distribute this aid as fast as we possibly can, because these people need us right now."

Alison Fleming says with so many wharfs and roads damaged, helicopters are the most efficient way to get aid to those in need.