Northland’s rescue helicopter service has its lifeline – community funder ASB Community Trust has granted $360,000 to help keep the choppers in the air.

 



Many people owe their lives to the NEST service.

Northland Emergency Services Trust chairman John Bain says the news is just great for Northland. “Our friends at the ASB Community Trust have come to our rescue. This financial help will allow us to operate for the next twelve months and give us breathing space to plan for future years.


“The ASB Community Trust has shown yet again what an important part they play in the lives and well-being of all Northland communities by supporting this vital service. This financial injection to cover operating costs has meant that our pilots, crews and volunteers will sleep tonight knowing that the service they all work so hard for has been saved. We are so grateful for the assistance and timely announcement by the ASB Community Trust, the future does look brighter today,” said Mr. Bain.


“There are many people who owe their lives to our service and I am sure with this help from the ASB Community Trust there will be more life saving occasions to thank them for.”


ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says the funding decision was made because the rescue service is a key social service for Northland and a critical resource for the region.


“Unlike other areas of the country, NEST is the only service provider in Northland,” Ms Gill says. “There are few communities in the region that have not had a visit from them in times of medical emergency or accident. NEST has a life-saving reputation in all the areas it covers.”


ASBCT grants have supported NEST since 2000. Last year it paid $448,000 toward the just-completed hanger complex, which now houses both of NEST’s rescue helicopters.


“Helicopters have become an essential tool for retrieving patients and accident victims from Northland’s more remote locations,” Ms Gill says. “NEST is a highly professional national leader in the area of search and rescue and its helicopters are saving lives.”