New chopper marks 35 years of rescue services in top of the South
The arrival of a new chopper is being hailed as the start of the next chapter for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust.
The trust has turned 35, and marked the occasion with the arrival of a new Airbus H145 rescue helicopter.
In a statement, the trust said the new helicopter brought the next generation of aeromedical and rescue capability to the region, featuring enhanced safety systems, advanced avionics, greater operational capability and improved patient care space.
General manager Paula Muddle said the milestone was a celebration of the service’s legacy and an exciting step forward.
“This is far more than the arrival of a new helicopter. It represents the next chapter of a rescue service that has been built by our community, for our community, over the past 35 years.”
The trust acknowledged “every supporter, donor, volunteer, crew member, partner agency and sponsor who has stood beside us throughout our journey.”
Pilot Stuart Farquhar said the new chopper was a “big jump forward”.
“It’s going to allow us to do a lot of extra things.”
That included allowing them to fly into terrain with limited visibility, he said.
“It hopefully will make a big difference to the type of jobs we can do.”
Muddle paid tribute to one of the founding trustees, Robert Williams.
“Founding a rescue helicopter service takes determination, resilience and belief, and we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Rob for the contribution he has made to our region and to this organisation over many years with his dedication and vision.”
Westpac New Zealand was also welcomed as the service’s new major sponsor.
Westpac head of sponsorship Todd Johnstone said the partnership reflected the bank’s commitment to supporting communities.
“Rescue helicopter services play an essential role in keeping New Zealanders safe, particularly in regional communities such as Nelson-Marlborough.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with a service that’s there for people during some of the most critical moments of their lives.”
The H145 will replace the BK117 rescue helicopter, which has served the region since 2012.
“While the helicopter itself is changing, the heart of the service remains exactly the same – caring for our communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the trust said.
The trust is also running a Fund the Gap campaign, to help fund the shortfall for the commissioning of the helicopter.
By Katie Townshend, Nelson Mail
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