Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter pilot James Easterbrook and crew member Leah Kortez were quick to carry out a training mission in the new aircraft. Photo: Supplied/Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust
There is a new rescue helicopter flying over the Tai Rāwhiti, and it has a little more grunt to help it better respond to emergencies.
The Eastland Rescue Helicopter team has given up its "beloved" BK-117 chopper and replaced it with one that has extra 100 horsepower and a more powerful winch.
The new helicopter is a safe option for emergencies and rescues, and is more nimble, having been well tested in rescue missions around the North Island, the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust said.
The winch capability means the team can more easily lift "multi-part loads" including patients, flight paramedics, and heavy equipment.
"We're grateful to have access to this upgraded helicopter," trust spokesman Ian Parker said.
"It's a step towards our goal of securing the Instrument Flight Rules-capable aircraft that will be a giant leap forward for rescue services in our region."
An Instrument Flight Rules-capable chopper would be able to fly in low cloud, which none of its current aircraft can - putting lives at risk, the trust told RNZ last year.
In the meantime, the new helicopter would bring the Tai Rāwhiti service on par with the rest of the North Island's fleet, flight paramedic and base manager Richard Curtis said.
"The changes may seem minor, but any improvements we can make around both flying and clinical operations are a really big deal."
The helicopter is owned by Philips Search and Rescue Trust - which owns the North Island's largest pool of community rescue helicopters - and is leased to the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust.
The original helicopter was still fit for purpose and may be used as a cover aircraft in future, the trust said.