Armed with life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics, the rescue helicopter is a vital emergency resource for the Taranaki region. The service provides rapid response rescue and medical assistance in time-critical accident and medical situations and accessibility to remote and compromised locations.

Our dedicated, free-of-charge service is ready to serve you, your family and your community – today and in the future.

Taranaki is a natural playground – peaks, rivers and ocean – all providing major hurdles for emergency services when an accident occurs. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with other rescue services to reduce lives lost in the community. The rapid response is powered by an expert crew of pilots, crewmen and paramedics. In a life and death situation it is the speed, agility and expertise that can make all the difference with patients able to receive medical treatment whilst enroute to a medical facility.

Income is generated from contracts with NASO (National Ambulance Sector Office) that manages the relationships with ACC and the Ministry of Health.  Taranaki District Health Board, NZ Police and RCCNZ (Rescue Coordination Centre) pay on a fee-for service basis when the helicopter is in use.

Proudly serving the regional community since 1992

Founded in 1992, the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust was established to provide a rapid response rescue helicopter service for the province. Prior to this helicopters had been available in the region for emergency callouts, but they had not fulfilled the role of an air ambulance.

Initially the Trust utilised a helicopter that was available on a semi-dedicated basis, resulting in the helicopter being called away from its current task when an emergency arose. However, it quickly become apparent that a machine solely dedicated to rescue work was required.

In 1999, the decision was made to invest in a 100% dedicated air ambulance, search and rescue helicopter. Coming onboard as a major sponsor, Taranaki Electricity Trust, made this upgrade possible. A hangar was constructed at Taranaki Base Hospital.

By 2003, a helicopter upgrade was required and the Trust shifted to an AS 355 F1 Squirrel, allowing for a greater payload to be carried. This was followed by the Trust purchasing a helicopter in 2007, an Agusta Westland Koala 119.

CAA’s enforcement of rules preventing single-engine helicopters from operating in and out of hospitals in urban areas required the Trust to review its current fleet, as a compromise could not be reached with CAA.

March 2011 saw a second-hand twin-engine Agusta 109 Power purchased which arrived in August 2011 after being fitted with necessary medical communication radios, a DZM system and meeting NZ Certification.

Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust is now flying 300-350 hours per year. Taranaki is a dynamic and diverse area, offering a playground of attractions and activities. These same attractions can become major hurdles for emergency services and the rescue helicopter works collaboratively with others to reduce these hurdles.

The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust is enormously proud of its family of sponsors, many of whom have been supporting the Trust for its entire lifetime. Without sponsors the organisation would not be able to operate, it simple wouldn’t have enough funding to do so.

On behalf of the thousands of lives that have been saved because there was a rescue helicopter, we thank each and every one of you.