For more than 35 years, the Trust Tairāwhiti Rescue Helicopter has been a vital lifeline for East Coast communities, from Mahanga Beach in the south to Te Kaha in the north and as far west as Maungapōhatu.
On standby 24/7, the helicopter crew responds year-round to sea searches, remote rescues and emergency missions, providing critical support to some of the region’s more isolated communities.
In 2022, Trust Tairāwhiti committed $1.4 million over five years to the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust (EHRT) to ensure the sustainability of this essential service.
The demand for helicopter missions continues to rise. In 2023, the crew recorded 482 flights, and in just the first half of 2024, they completed 261 reportable flights, including 188 emergency missions.
Now equipped with a more powerful BK-117 helicopter, the crew’s capacity to respond quickly and efficiently has improved. Base manager/critical care flight paramedic Richard Curtis said that while the new helicopter boosts their capabilities, the original aircraft remains operational and could be used as a backup if needed.
One of the helicopter’s most critical roles is providing healthcare access to remote communities, where about 60 percent of callouts occur north of Tolaga Bay. During Cyclone Gabrielle, the helicopter was essential in providing healthcare access and delivering medical supplies to East Coast residents who were cut off from Gisborne city and the northern end of the coast.
“In Tairāwhiti, healthcare access is limited – especially along the coast,” Curtis said.
“Our helicopter is often the fastest, and sometimes the only, way to connect people with the healthcare they need. For example, it’s vital in transporting patients from Gisborne to Waikato for urgent heart-related emergencies.”
Staffing has also increased to meet demand. The crew operates two 12-hour shifts daily, ensuring round-the-clock availability.
“There’s a lot involved in checking and maintaining our gear at the hangar, which we do regularly, so while we may only receive one or two missions a day there’s still a lot of preparation and maintenance work that takes place on-site to ensure everything’s ready when the call comes.”
Curtis credits strong community support and the commitment of EHRT as key motivators for the crew’s dedication.
At the recent EHRT Bayleys Charity Auction, the Tairāwhiti community raised more than $113,000 to support the Trust Tairāwhiti Rescue Helicopter. EHRT is tasked with securing $700,000 annually to keep the helicopter in the sky, with Trust Tairāwhiti funding covering half that amount. This auction is just one of many initiatives helping ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital service for years to come.
“We’re proud of the EHRT legacy, the leadership of our retiring board chairman Patrick Willock, the commitment of our volunteers and the support of a great community and trust,” says Curtis.