Our recent 'Letter to the Editor' advertised in the Daily News on Saturday 17 July

Dear Sir,

In response to some of the comments of late and uncertainties surrounding the future of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter I would like to take the opportunity to provide some clarity to the community who have so generously supported us in the past.
Currently we are faced with the challenge of having to replace our single engine helicopter with a twin engine machine for reasons that have already been well documented in the press.
Unlike motor vehicles, helicopters appreciate in value, however, due to the depressed world market in general, the value of our current helicopter is also depressed. Despite that, our enquiries to date indicate that it is still worth far more than the numbers bandied around in the press on Thursday this week. The Trustees have never for one moment considered replacing the Koala 119 helicopter with another for a total value more than what we can realise for the 119. Accordingly the conjecture in the press indicating the possibility of going to the public for a sum of up to $4million is nothing more than mere unfounded speculation.
We have received some very attractive offers of a possible replacement helicopter that, together with the high dollar giving us good purchasing power, represents very good value on today's depressed market.
I take very seriously my responsibility to spend public money wisely and to that end the Trustees are exploring all possible options and taking advice from many quarters to ensure that we make the best decision in the interests of Taranaki.
Currently, we are operating out of the NP airport and maintaining a very effective service, albeit not as easily as we were out of the TDHB hanger. Finally the future of your Rescue Helicopter is very positive and I can assure you that we will continue to have an excellent Rescue Helicopter Service in Taranaki for many years to come.

Mark Masters
Chairman Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust

The Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter is on display the world over. You can see it here, featuring on the Agusta Westland stand at an international exhibition. Thanks to Heliflite for this picture.

Would you like to receive a regular update from the hangar ?

Then register to receive the TRHT e-newsletter, "As It Happens!". Simply enter your name and email address in the box on the right of this page. Look out for our first issue later this month.