Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter

Founded in 1992, the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust is the charity responsible for providing an emergency rescue helicopter service to the Taranaki regional community for the past 30 years.

The service we provide 100% community owned. Each year our crew of both full-time and dedicated volunteers, undertake life-saving missions. Armed with life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and Intensive Care Flight Paramedics, the Rescue Helicopter is a vital emergency response for the region. It provides rapid response in time-critical accident and medical locations.

The significant increase in mission numbers has a direct impact on our helicopter's maintenance schedule, including parts and specialist equipment. The total cost per year of providing a 24/7, 365 day rescue helicopter service is approximately $4.2 million. As a charity, 70% of this is funded by various government agencies. This means that our annual fundraising target is approximately $1.2 million.

This is why the support from the Taranaki community, sponsors and local businesses is absolutely vital to what we do.