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

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