One Northern-Irish Taranaki-based war veteran received a very different kind of helicopter ride from The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter. John Walker, affectionately known by his nickname ‘Whiskey’ by his mates, now 82, woke up experiencing signs of a stroke. “I got out of bed to go to the bathroom, and found I couldn't move. I realised something was wrong." Whiskey hit his medical alarm, which he says is the reason he’s still alive. Paramedics quickly arrived and recognised the sign of a life-threatening stroke. He was taken straight to Taranaki Base Hospital with a request to transfer him immediately to Auckland City Hospital via rescue helicopter. It is really important to note that if a patient receives immediate treatment in the first hour after a stroke, their chances of a successful recovery are significantly higher, making time of the essence. Walker said he remembered being rushed to hospital and the experience of boarding the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter. “I remember the crew loading me on board and speaking with the paramedic who was looking after me on the flight." Whiskey said he was incredibly grateful to the TRHT team whose prompt response ensured he reached the stroke ward quickly. “I'm forever grateful, you know, they saved my life.”

Judie, 65, who is now the undisputed coolest teacher at her school thanks to her experience with the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter, said it should have been a relatively easy hike up and down the mountain. On their way down Puniho track from Kahui Hut, Judie’s small group spotted the perfect clearing for a trail lunch. Walking to the clearing, Judie tripped over a protruding tree root, sending her sprawling forward. Feeling a stab of pain in her arm and immediately queasy, Judie knew this was worse than just a sprain. Electing to use their Personal Locator Beacon over attempting the two-hour trek back to the car with a broken arm, they rang 111, and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the scene. Judie was unnerved when she discovered the helicopter was not landing but instead would lift her out using the Taranaki Offshore Partnership Winch. “I looked up and I thought, why is the helicopter not landing? The paramedic was hoisted down, and I said, I'm not going up there! “The medic Amanda had the most lovely approach straight away. She reassured me that it was going to be fine.” Judie said she initially felt bad for requiring an evacuation but was put at ease that the group had done the right thing. “I kept saying ‘I don't want to make a fuss’, and all the rest of it. She [Amanda] reassured me really quickly, ‘you did exactly the right thing.’" Judie praised the entire team but remembered Amanda in particular for her airborne bedside manner, and for popping into the ward to visit Judie before they departed for another mission. Now recovered and back to teaching, Judie said she’s looking for ways to support the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter and the important work we do. She said she shared this lesson with her students. “It was good from an educational point of view. The kids, particularly the boys, they seem to love helicopters and they'll often talk about the helicopter and when it flies overhead, we say, ‘it's the Rescue Helicopter.’ Judie is now looking for opportunities to fundraise for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust, and urges Taranaki residents to donate. “I'll always feel confident now going tramping, knowing that help is close. “The Rescue Helicopter is a vital service and we need to support it.”

Jason Parlane from Egmont Pre-owned Appliances kindly donated a new dryer for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter team! Definitely the quickest response we’ve had to a request for community support, it is so cool to see our community come together to help support a good cause. A huge thank you to Jason for the new appliance and to Claire Brignall for arranging it :) Thank you for the support 💛 we’re spun-out with gratitude!

We were delighted to show some members of the Inglewood Lions Club around our new crew accommodation block, before it gets transported to the airport in the next 2-3 weeks. They have generously donated $10,000 and now have naming rights to one of the bedrooms. We are very appreciative of the generosity shown by the Inglewood Lions Club and look forward to seeing the finished space for our Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Crew. Pictured we can see Rob Bishop, Evan Cottam, Helen Widdicombe, Graham Robertson, Greg Whitham and Andy Cronin inside the new building in the living area.

Pilot Chris has captured some fantastic shots of the new Taranaki Base Hospital helipad in the making. While we’re lucky enough to enjoy a bird’s-eye view most days, we wanted to share these exciting progress photos with our community.

When Mark Shirreffs picked up the phone at dinner time on the evening of Wednesday 9th October, he had no way of knowing he would be enroute to Waikato Hospital within a matter of hours. Mark, 51, who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in September, wasn’t expecting the phone to ring that night. On the other end of the line was a respiratory specialist from Taranaki Base Hospital, who informed him based on recent CT scans, he had a collapsed right lung and was in urgent need of medical care. Mark was quickly brought to the emergency department, where it was decided that he was to be transferred to Waikato Hospital for urgent surgery on his collapsed lung. As it was already one o’clock in the morning, the flight would have to be made solely using night vision equipment and radar, and kept at a low altitude to maintain Mark’s stable condition. “I was awake during the flight, and I was in quite a lot of pain.” Despite a lot to worry about, Mark knew the Taranaki’s helicopter crew had it under control. “I was impressed at how well they did – they made sure I was stable all the way up to Waikato. To fly in pitch black to get to where they need to go, that’s such an amazing thing.” The flight was completed, and Mark was delivered to Waikato Hospital a short time later, where he received the medical care needed. Had his condition taken a turn mid-flight, Taranaki Critical Care Paramedic Mitch told Mark that they would have to perform the insertion of a lung stent mid-air. Now home from hospital, Mark is recovering from his operation. He’s spending his time tending to his garden. “I’m doing gardening to keep myself active. I can’t work for the foreseeable future.” Mark said he may need to use the helicopter’s services again in the near future, and so knows that supporting the helicopter is absolutely critical, now and in the future. “We’re on a flight path in our suburb of Hurdon, and quite often you see them fly over. It’s an amazing service.” “Go ahead and support the helicopter. They do such an amazing service and it’s one that can go unnoticed."

When Caroline fell off her bike and down a sharp cliff face into the Waiaua River, The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter responded. Alive and thankful one year later, Caroline’s fundraising efforts are helping to secure the future of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter. Last April, Caroline and her husband signed up to the Ōpunakē Lions Mountain to Sea Bike Ride, which sees participants cycle from Mount Taranaki to Ōpunakē Beach. Caroline had nearly completed the two-hour journey as she passed through Ōpunakē Township and hit the track towards the beach. “I remember going down a metal track, and then I don’t remember anything at all. I know I lost control and went over the bike’s handlebars, over the bank, into the river. It was a five metre sheer drop down the cliffside." Caroline’s fall left her unconscious and lying in the river with a punctured lung, broken collarbone, humerus (arm bone), and several broken ribs. Caroline felt nothing as the flight crew stabilised her condition, and she was transported by helicopter to Taranaki Base Hospital, where she stayed for two weeks. Nearly a year on, Caroline has raised an incredible $17,000 for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust through an Open Day at the Hawera Fire Station, raffle, cake sale and family barbeque. Thank you to Caroline for your incredible fundraising efforts!

“Mum is doing great! You’d barely know she’s had a stroke. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – thank you to you all.” At the end of January 2024. 81 year old Valerie went into hospital for a routine gallbladder removal operation. Instead, she suffered a stroke before going into theater. Valerie was sent straight to the ICU, and by the time her daughter Tracie arrived, she found her mother paralysed and unable to put many words together. Tracie was told Valerie would need to be urgently helicoptered to Auckland Hospital to have a clot removed, which was vital to managing the stroke. Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Critical Care Paramedic Mitch said a short window typically exists where treatment for strokes administered within the first couple of hours was likely to be significantly more effective. Within half an hour, Valerie was at the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter hangar preparing to depart for Auckland Hospital, and Tracie and a nurse were watching the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter take off. Tracie said she knew her mum was in good hands as the helicopter departed. The flight took just over an hour, and Valerie received urgent treatment. Tracie said the rapid response from the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter crew played a huge part in getting her mum the quick surgery she needed. “You guys are angels without wings. I often hear a helicopter and look up to see if it’s you guys, and whether you’re off to change someone’s life for the better." Tracie said since the emergency operation, her mum had an excellent recovery.

The Knoll Ridge trail on the upper slopes of Mt Ruapehu meanders across rocky surfaces, around small boulders and over loose debris, which makes it attractive for hikers and trampers. During his hike, John chose what looked like an easier route up a smooth stretch of solid rock. He then went to pull himself up on a large boulder that appeared to be solidly embedded in the side of the ridge - but the moment his fingers touched the top edge of the boulder, he was shocked to find that it was in fact balanced precariously, as if on a knife edge. The boulder came loose as John pulled himself up, and he felt himself begin to fall. John managed to escape the full weight of the boulder as it fell, and as he hit the ground on his back, the boulder toppled over his left hip. In shock and in pain, John lay still, controlling his breathing and taking stock of the situation for a few minutes before attempting to move and assess his wounds. When John made to get up, he felt a severe pain in his hips and thighs indicating a serious injury. Unable to stand, he crawled some twenty metres up the smooth solid rock strata to see how well he could move, and to find a better place to rest and work out what to do next. The Knoll’s Ridge trail is not as popular as some of the other trails up and around the mountain, and no one was around to aid John – even at midday. John called 111, and the clear weather meant the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was dispatched. As he was speaking with the dispatcher, John was joined by a couple on the Knoll Ridge trail who were able to make him more comfortable as he waited for the helicopter to arrive. They would later say how shocked they were at how pale John was. John said he felt an immense wave of relief upon hearing the blades of the helicopter and watching it fly into view. He was assessed on the ground by the paramedics, who decided to conduct a hovering high-altitude lift into the helicopter, using the Taranaki Offshore Partnership Rescue Winch. He was flown to Whanganui Hospital for treatment, where John was found to be bruised and sore, but in good shape considering the severity of his fall. A second trip to the hospital would find he had around 100mL of fluid trapped in a lesion beneath his hip. Having taken the 'Sky Waka Gondola' up to the higher regions of Mt Ruapehu, John was rescued from his unfortunate accident by another, far more aptly named sky waka: the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter and its crew. John said he was immensely grateful to the crew and their quick response.

Taranaki is set to benefit from a major upgrade to its rescue helicopter service, with a state-of-the-art Airbus H145 D3 helicopter confirmed for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust (TRHT). The $20 million aircraft is scheduled to arrive in September 2027, significantly enhancing lifesaving capabilities for the region. TRHT will contribute a $2 million deposit towards the helicopter from its reserves and current fundraising efforts. The remaining cost will be covered through a joint funding agreement with Health NZ and ACC, with the deposit to be returned to TRHT upon delivery. The helicopter will be owned by Search & Rescue Services Ltd, in which TRHT holds an ownership stake. TRHT Chairman Evan Cottam says this investment represents a major milestone for emergency response in Taranaki. “This is fantastic news for our region. The H145 D3 is one of the most advanced rescue helicopters available, and it means we’ll be able to provide an even higher level of care to those in need,” Cottam said. “This coincides perfectly with our upcoming move to New Plymouth Airport, further strengthening our operational efficiency.” Cottam further recognised and thanked the Crown for the investment in the health sector in Taranaki. He said the practical and future-focused approach to health would secure the continued operations in the future, and facilitate the rescue helicopter’s ability to save lives when it counts. The current Taranaki Rescue Helicopter will continue to serve the region until the new aircraft arrives, ensuring uninterrupted service for the community. Base Manager and Pilot Chris Hall highlighted the benefits the new helicopter will bring. “The H145 D3 offers significantly improved technology, increased fuel and weight capacity, and greater space for medical crews,” Hall said. “This means we’ll be able to carry out even more lifesaving missions across Taranaki, with enhanced safety and efficiency.” TRHT remains committed to ensuring world-class rescue services for the people of Taranaki and continues to rely on the community for financial support.

At 9.00am on Wednesday 8 November, after they had reached Henry’s Peak on Mount Taranaki, Andy Sommerville and partner Sue began their descent down the southern side of the mountain. Travelling down from Pouakai Hut towards North Egmont Visitor Centre at the base of the mountain, the last thing in Andy and Sue’s minds was an emergency event. But all that changed with a single wooden step only 50m down. The couple’s trek down the mountain came to an abrupt stop when Andy slipped on the step and tore the tendon between his quadricep muscle and kneecap. The tear rendered Andy unable to walk, and with only Sue to lend a hand, the only option left was to phone 111. Sue quickly dialled the emergency number and spoke with the police search and rescue despatcher.  During the call, it was clear that the best option was to helicopter Andy out. The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was rapidly despatched and flew towards the mountain. Relieved at not having to endure being stretchered out, Andy awaited the helicopter, with Sue providing reassurance and comfort. Andy was safely transported off the mountain at 10.15am, just over an hour from the initial 111 call. Andy said hearing the rotors signalled that his ordeal on the mountain was almost over. “Whilst I was confident it would arrive, it was very reassuring to hear the helicopter approaching.” A swift helicopter ride from the mountain to the Taranaki Base Hospital Emergency Department, being carefully looked after by the experienced TRHT crew followed, with Andy soon taken straight into surgery to repair the tear. Andy said the crew’s professionalism had him feeling safe at all times during the ordeal. “The crew – Mal, Tiffany and Mike – were all competent, and never did I feel unsafe or that they didn’t know what they were doing. I am very grateful to their aid.” The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter relies on donations to take flights, such as Andy’s, to transport injured or critical patients for often live-saving treatment. “Without the rescue helicopter having brought me down, I would have had to endure being stretchered out, and the time that would have taken would have increased the time before I could get surgery.” Andy said the crew’s attentiveness even went so far as to call in and check how he was doing at the Taranaki Base Hospital ED, where he was also able to pass on his gratitude to Mal, Tiffany and Mike for their expert assistance. Now back recovering at home with Sue, Andy won’t be back in the hills for a few months due to the recovery from the tendon tear, but still has his sights set on completing the walk. “I’m confident I’ll be back up in Taranaki to complete the walk, this time with walking poles!”

In 1996, the late Meryle Roberts had a medical event that required urgent treatment in Auckland. She was flown from Tauranga by one of our fellow rescue helicopters. Meryle had no recollection of that flight. Ever since then Meryle and her late husband Derek committed to leaving a legacy to their local rescue helicopter service and we are very fortunate that they decided to make Taranaki home. In December last year the couple made an enormously generous donation of $500,000 that will have long felt legacy in our community. We wanted to share some photos taken on the day Meryle and her brother Kevin Wisneski visited the hangar in December 2023. Please join us in thanking this wonderful family and their gracious gift that will mean so much to so many in the future