Sponsor disgusted by vandalism

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter banner was vandalised.

Vandals have tagged a large banner promoting public donations for the Bay's rescue helicopter service.

The 9m by 3m banner that encouraged people to help fund the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter is now damaged with graffiti.

Morgan Dynes, a dispatcher for TD Haulage, which hosts the banner, was angry someone had taken to the $1200 banner with spray cans.

"I'd like to punch them in the head - I was that wild," said Mr Dynes.

He was driving to work yesterday when he saw the vandalism.

"I thought I was blind when I first saw it but then I thought, 'Someone has actually tagged the banner'."

TD Haulage had paid the full amount of $1200 to promote the rescue helicopter appeal for a month on one of its truck trailers.

"We paid for it out of our own pocket because we wanted to help our local rescue helicopter service," said Mr Dynes.

"The rescue helicopter, on average, is going out twice a day. We thought it would be good to help them out.

"What sort of idiot does something like that? It's different if someone tags a building - but not a charity banner."

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly said the attack was "disgusting".

"It's likely the rescue helicopter has probably helped one of their family members or could even help them one day," said Mr Brettkelly.

He said the banner had been up only three weeks before it was destroyed.

"I'm just very disappointed really."

Mr Brettkelly said he did not expect money to replace the banner.

"They funded it the first time round as a sponsorship and it was only up for two weeks during the appeal."

Mr Dynes said he was yet to contact police but was offering a reward for anyone who had any information about the tag.

He said the company was considering replacing the banner.

"We've got people getting killed out on the roads and then some dickhead comes out and tags us," said Mr Dynes.

"It's just disappointing, you know."

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter
•The service was founded in 2000
•Pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly has been with the rescue helicopter since the service launched.
•The Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter is an AS350 B2 'Squirrel'.
•It is specially equipped for all-weather flying as well as night flying.
•The Port of Tauranga rescue winch enables two people to be lifted from difficult terrain, or water

What do you think?
Have your say below or email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz, go to our facebook page, text 021 241 4568 BOP (message) or write to Private Bag 12002.
Response may be published.