12-Oct-2012 Source: Philips Search & Rescue Trust
Taupo’s rescue helicopter is a well-known sight in the sky. Libby O’Brien found out more about the helicopter’s facelift and the company playing a new role in helping the service take flight
They say pigs may fly, but no-one has ever expected a cow to become airborne, let alone play a major part in search and rescue operations around the Taupo region.
From Wednesday the chopper formerly known as the Youthtown rescue helicopter underwent a name change, complete with a paint job featuring a new colour scheme which includes a large cattle beast.
At a launch event on Wednesday at Taupo Airport, Philips Search and Rescue Trust announced Greenlea Premier Meats as the new naming rights sponsor of the Taupo-based rescue helicopter.
Hamilton-based Greenlea Premier Meats is a strong family business and New Zealand’s premier meat processor. The company will celebrate 20 years in business in 2013 and has committed to naming rights sponsorship of the helicopter for three years.
“The work undertaken by the rescue helicopter service is an invaluable lifeline to our farming customers,” said Tony Egan, managing director of Greenlea.
‘This sponsorship marks the start of a new chapter in our Greenlea story and allows us to show the rural community that we are looking after their needs.”
The Taupo Greenlea rescue helicopter is part of a charitable organisation that receives about 50 per cent of its funding from government-related contracts. Remaining operating costs are fundraised annually from the local community and Greenlea’s $600,000 commitment will help raise funds for the rescue helicopter service throughout the North Island.
A new fundraising initiative was also launched this week called Greenlea Flight for Life. Farmers can donate a beast at the time of processing and the amount the beast is worth is then donated to their local rescue helicopter service.
Taupo Greenlea rescue helicopter pilot and base manager Nat Every said he could not dream of a better partner.
“We feel honoured to work with such a fantastic team and to have Greenlea play such a crucial role in the continuation of our service.”