Electricity Trust helps power Rescue Helicopter

The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust is committed to providing an efficient operation and exceptional patient experience.

Part of this commitment is the review and replacement of equipment as capital expenditure. Recently the Trust identified several items totalling $140,000 required to ensure the ongoing life-saving service in the region.

The Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) has allocated $100,000 towards these costs in their latest round of funding and the Taranaki Helicopter Trust is extremely grateful.

“Part of this funding will provide a new aircraft trolley for the new BK117 helicopter, which will optimise fuelling and allow for easier patient loading,” says Trust Chair Evan Cottam.

Additional funding for Bluetooth communications, safety harnesses, and night vision glasses was also allocated by TET. The balance of items required will need to be funded from operational costs.

Despite being based outside of the TET boundaries, the importance of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was not lost on the funding trust.

“TET is proud to support the vital work of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust. We recognise the direct benefit to people in the TET area,” says TET Chair Alan Jamieson.

“It is clear that this service is essential to our rural area. In 2020 alone, 48 missions (17% of all missions), were carried out in the TET area, excluding hospital transfers,” Jamieson continued.

The grant is a major boost to funding for the Trust as the cancellation of the annual Flying High Lunch made a dent of around 10% towards the annual target of $1 million.

“We remain grateful to all our funders like TET, sponsors, and donors who support TRHT to deliver this essential life-saving service.”

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For more information contact:

Evan Cottam  
Chairman, Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust
0274 525 573
[email protected]

About Taranaki Electricity Trust

The Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) is a charitable trust. TET was formed in 1993 when New Plymouth Energy merged with the Taranaki Electricity Power Board. It receives investment income which is distributed via grants to suitable applicants from the area previously supplied by the Taranaki Electric Power Board.