Latest news with #TrustTairāwhitiEastlandRescueHelicopter
NZ Herald
02-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Eastland rescue service to get $20m state-of-the-art helicopter
But it is still more than 12 months earlier than expected for what is described as 'a game-changer in the industry'. The five-bladed, twin-engined H145 helicopter is a significant step up from the trust's current BK117 and comes with enhanced patient and crew comfort features, longer mission range through greater fuel capacity and an increased weight limit, enabling transport of multiple patients and whānau. At about $20 million, it does not come cheap. The actual purchase will be made by Search and Rescue Services (SRS), a not-for-profit company formed by five North Island trusts, including EHRT, to deliver air ambulance and rescue helicopter services across the North Island from Wellington to south of the Bombay Hills. While EHRT initially had to come up with a deposit, that and the overall purchase price will be returned through a joint funding agreement with central Government. 'Supplying the deposit is a big outing for EHRT trustees, current and past, who accumulated funds through grants, fundraising, donations and bequests, and we are thrilled to have achieved this milestone,' Parker said. 'There will be additional investment required for further training of our already highly-skilled crews, and for medical equipment that the new machine will provide opportunities to deliver. 'But together with the incredible support we receive from our community, trustees remain committed to achieving these goals.' While this week's confirmation had been years in the making, Parker acknowledged the input of current Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, who had been strong advocates for the service and the region. Kirkpatrick was delighted the Government had funded the upgrade, which she said 'would not have been possible without great community support'. 'The people of Tairāwhiti have fought long and hard for this service and have supported it with enormous generosity. 'It is not just those who live remotely that rely on the rescue helicopter. The service is there for anyone who travels in and out of our region ... you never know when you will need it.' The acquisition is a double-win for Gisborne base manager Shaun Stewart because, as a pilot, he will get to fly the new helicopter. The H145 featured improved performance, safety and capability, including autopilot and advanced technology to reduce pilot workload, he said. 'Our air crew officers and critical care flight paramedics will also benefit and with increased space and a more efficient cabin, our medics will have a larger, optimised work area to improve workflow and overall efficiency. 'The entire team is excited about the impending arrival of the H145 that will serve our region by carrying us and our patients for decades to come.' The current Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter, though second-hand, had been upgraded and continued to serve the region well, Parker said. 'But with a three-year wait for new rescue helicopters and growing global demand, the time to secure a new one was critical. 'Cyclone Gabrielle reinforced the importance of having modern, fit-for-purpose equipment and infrastructure. 'The new helicopter will help provide that peace of mind our community needs, increasing our ability to provide the equity of access to healthcare so critical to our large and complex region.'
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Thousands attend moving Anzac Day service in Gisborne
After the solemn march behind the Highland band pipers from the Gisborne District Council chambers to the Cenotaph, the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter crew flew over the gathering to begin proceedings, and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed a beautiful waiata pōwhiri. The crowd gave voice to the anthems of New Zealand and Australia and the Gisborne Civic Brass Band played How Great Thou Art. Two teens from the Cadet Forces read the famous In Flanders Field poem in English and then in Māori. One veteran told the Gisborne Herald afterwards: 'I don't ever remember a more inclusive dawn service. We felt like the one people we are'. Aircraft from the aero club flew over the scene, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph and Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke. 'Anzac Day gives us the opportunity to think of those in our communities who have experienced war and conflict – those who lost their lives, our veterans, our armed services personnel, families of the fallen, and our refugee communities," Stoltz said. 'We also remember those who were injured and returned home after serving us bravely. Let us not forget the impact on them and their loved ones. 'New Zealanders who remember World War II, and those who grew up in its shadow, know the suffering that division can cause. 'As we witness concerning events across the globe, it is incumbent on all of us to remember the lessons of the past. 'Let Anzac Day forever be a reminder of our duty to uphold the values of those who have served our nation in the protection of peace and democracy.' Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Rowe Kaa, formerly of Gisborne, delivered a powerful speech. 'Today we acknowledge the assembly of the people and remember all those who have served and are still serving our nation in the armed forces, and in particular those who gave their lives for New Zealand.' She made special mention of 28 Māori Battalion. 'The battalion was renowned for its rich cultural history, strong sense of unity, bravery and tenacity in battle. 'As Lt General Sir Bernard Freyberg said - no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw such heavy fighting, and sustained such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.' Kaa pointed to the role New Zealand played in the creation of the United Nations after WWII. 'That system is under a huge strain today and the world is a much more unstable and dangerous place than it has been decades. 'When we leave here today we may like to consider what we as individuals, as a community and as a country can do to continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom and basic human rights across the world. 'In doing this we can continue to honour in a powerful way the memory of those service men and women who came before us, who sacrificed so much for our nation and our values.' The ode was read in Māori by Syd Clarke and in English by Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes. The trench whistle was sounded, as it was sounded in WWI, the Last Post was played, a three-round gun salute was fired from across the river and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed again. Jukes said it was 'great to see such a turnout and thanks to all those who have supported us today. Well done everybody, a magnificent job'. He led three cheers from the crowd for the veterans. One service-goer was heard to say after the proceedings: 'You have to say Anzac Day and the spirit it represents is still very much alive and well, growing stronger even, in Gisborne'. A feature of the service was the age spread of people - from babies in prams to the elderly. A mum with a couple of youngsters in tow summed it up when she said: 'I think it's really important the children have an understanding of Anzac Day and the sacrifices made'.
