Hawke's Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust founding members Mark Stoddart (left) and Robert Fair, with Andy Train, Kevin Stoddart, trust chief executive Ian Wilmot and Roy Stoddart. Photo / Nicki Harper
Hawke's Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust founding members Mark Stoddart (left) and Robert Fair, with Andy Train, Kevin Stoddart, trust chief executive Ian Wilmot and Roy Stoddart. Photo / Nicki Harper
Four founding members of the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust were recognised at a special lunch at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel recently.
Trust chairman Andy Train said about 40 founding members were in line to receive certificates for their part in forming the trust about 30 years ago. Oneof those was Porangahau's Mark Stoddart, who said impetus to get the trust going came after a yachtsman was lost at sea off Cape Turnagain. Mark and others were members of the Porangahau Underwater Club, which trained for water rescues.
Agricultural helicopters were used when needed, but in about 1992 the first rescue helicopter was commissioned and has since flown more than 300 missions each year. Trust chief executive Ian Wilmot said founding support also came from St John, Waimarama Surf Club, police, civil defence and aviation representatives.
