FAQs
In this section, you can find answers to the frequently asked questions about the Wallace Foundation Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter.
Can’t see your question? Please email our team at mfm@hbhrt.org.nz who will be happy to help you.
Is the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter a registered charity?
Yes, the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust is a registered charity in New Zealand. Our registration number is CC22791
Where is the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter based?
The helicopter is based on the grounds of the Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital at the Graeme Lowe Rescue Helicopter Hangar, Orchard Road, Hastings.
Who does the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter help?
Our rescue helicopter helps people across Hawke’s Bay who need urgent medical care or search and rescue assistance. We respond to serious incidents including accidents, medical emergencies, and patients in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
What hours does the Rescue Helicopter Service operate?
We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Why would the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter be deployed?
The are several reasons why the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter may be deployed including;
- If the situation is time critical, for example, if the accident or injury is so severe that the patient needs to be taken to hospital swiftly
- If the patient needs urgent medical transportation to specalist hospital
- If the emergency is in a remote location that a land ambulance would find difficult to reach
Who decides if the Rescue Helicopter should be deployed?
When a call is made to the emergency 111 number, the EACC (Emergency Ambulance Communication Centre) assesses the nature of the emergency and determine what services are required. If the EACC determines that the Rescue Helicopter service is required, the local Rescue Helicopter service will be deployed.
If I get transported by the Rescue Helicopter, will I have to pay?
No. All of our services are complete free of charge to anyone who may need them.
How many missions does the Rescue Helicopter fly each year?
On average, we fly over 400 life saving missions each year. You can keep up to date with our latest missions on our mission log.
How many helicopters do you have?
The Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter has one main helicopter that services the Hawke’s Bay region, and we are able to utilise a back up helicopter when required.
What kind of helicopter is the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter?
Our Rescue Helicopter is a H145 Airbus Helicopter.
Find out more about this type of helicopter here.
Can I visit the Rescue Helicopter Hangar?
Of course! You can organise a time to visit the rescue helicopter by emailing mfm@hbhrt.org.nz. You will need to read and sign the HBHRT safety form about the safety requirements of base visits before visiting.
Is there a cost involved when visiting the Rescue Helicopter hangar?
No, we are happy to have people visit the hangar.
How do I make a donation?
Thank you so much! You can donate here!
We are holding a charity event and would like to donate the funds raised to the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Service. How can you support us?
Thank you! It are grateful to all our fundraisers, after all it’s only with the support of people like you that we able to remain operational. Depending on the type of event you are organising, we can help to support you by;
- Providing collection buckets
- Helping with press and media
- Providing our logo for use on your promotional material
- Spreading the word about your event on our blog or on social media
Please give the team an email at mfm@hbhrt.org.nz for more information on how we can support you.
Can I volunteer with the Rescue Helicopter?
Absolutely! Volunteers are an essential asset to the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust, and we are always looking for willing people to help us achieve our aims! You don’t need any previous experience to volunteer with the Trust – a willing heart, enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude are much more important to us. There are three ways that you can volunteer with us:
- Event volunteering: Help to make a difference by volunteering at one of our events. Our volunteers play a vital role in making events a success by promoting events locally, helping to serve refreshments, or forming a cheer squad.
- Community Fundraising: Support the Rescue Helicopter by helping us to organise social events, such as coffee mornings, afternoon teas, collection days, or sausage sizzles. We’ll provide you with training and advice, and every dollar you raise will enable us to continue our vital services.
- Administrative Support: Work alongside our staff providing administrative support on a wide range of tasks – answering and making telephone calls, editing photographs or film, inputting data, or helping with mail outs.
Visit our Volunteering Page to download our information pack, or email mfm@hbhrt.org.nz for more information.
How do you use the information you have stored about me?
At the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust, we are committed to protecting our supporter’s privacy. Any information that is supplied to us will be held by the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust only, and may be used to:
- Inform supporters about the work of the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust
- Send acknowledgements and tax receipts for donations
Our full Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement can be found here.
Help keep the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter flying.
Together, we can ensure this essential service is here when our community needs it most