Second helicopter for rescue trust

A second rescue helicopter for the Auckland Region is unveiled on Auckland's Queens Wharf. Photo / NZPA

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has announced the addition of a second helicopter, which will enable the trust to cope with double the emergencies it currently attends.

The new machine, a new generation Bolkov Kawasaki 117, was unveiled in front of media and sponsors this morning when it and the current helicopter landed
on Auckland's Queens Wharf, followed by a tour of the aircraft.

Trust chief executive Bob Parkinson said the demand for search and rescue missions, hospital and medical jobs had risen dramatically in the past two years.

Last year the rescue helicopter flew 577 missions, 13 per cent more than in 2008, and this year has already seen a 15 per cent increase.

The helicopter, decorated in major sponsor Westpac's insignia, cost about $5m and has been commissioned for two years to service the wider Auckland region.

It has been purpose built to the same specifications for emergency medical
services as the current one.