In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle hitting Te Tairawhiti (February 13), Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter was supported during the first week by Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter (two helicopters, seven crew) and Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter (crew from Taupo) checking on rural residents, supplying critical medical supplies, and linking services to those that need them.
The teams worked non-stop, all while carrying out their usual jobs of transporting people in need of medical attention to hospitals in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.