MEDI-FLIGHT TARANAKI // WHO WE ARE
Taranaki's angels of the sky
MEDI-FLIGHT TARANAKI
New look, same care.
Medi-Flight Taranaki is the charity responsible for providing patient care in the air to the Taranaki regional community.
Previously Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust and Taranaki Air Ambulance Trust, who combined had nearly 50 years’ experience serving Taranaki, we’ve joined forces to streamline our operations, funding and fundraising, and offer better outcomes to our patients: the Taranaki community.
Whether it’s a life-threatening emergency, search & rescue operation, specialist patient transfer or something else, Medi-Flight Taranaki is here to support.
About our Rescue Helicopter
“We see the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter flying over our home all the time!” is something we hear regularly from locals all around Taranaki.
The iconic Taranaki Rescue Helicopter has been in the skies since 1991. Equipped with life-saving equipment, skilled rescue personnel, and trauma-trained medics, the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter is a critical emergency asset for the Taranaki region.
Capable of responding quickly to emergency scenarios including medical events, vehicle accidents, search and rescue operations and more, the Rescue Helicopter is often the quickest way of bringing urgent medical attention directly to the site of an accident or medical event.
Equipped with a crew of three (pilot, medic, crewperson), our helicopter is equipped to deliver patients directly to the most appropriate hospital for their care. It also provides inter-hospital transport for specialist emergency treatment.
The Rescue Helicopter also works in conjunction with the Rescue Coordination Centre of New Zealand (RCCNZ), providing a vital eye in the sky during search and rescue operations in the region, especially on missions around Mount Taranaki and out at sea.
About our Air Ambulance
The Taranaki Air Ambulance has been operating in the region since 2006. The fixed-wing service is specifically designed for expedient, comfortable and stable inter-hospital transfers across New Zealand. Each week, the Air Ambulance makes an average of 14 flights carrying patients to or from life-saving or life-changing medical care not available in Taranaki.
Operating out of its hangar at New Plymouth Airport which includes an ambulance pickup and drop-off bay, patient care lounge, the Air Ambulance plays an essential role in delivering patients around the country for specialist health care.
ABOUT US
What we do
Medi-Flight Taranaki delivers Taranaki’s air medical and emergency services, and operates life-saving services on a daily basis.
Responsible for delivering the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter and Taranaki Air Ambulance, we’re your angels in the sky.
our mission
Providing world-class patient care in the air for Taranaki.
Frequently asked questions
Why have Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust and Taranaki Air Ambulance Trust merged?
Both boards agreed that merging to form one organisation presented the opportunity to streamline our operations, pool our resources and reduce funding duplication in the region, which will benefit the local community by trimming overheads and centralising operations.
The Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance are absolutely vital services operating within Taranaki’s regional health infrastructure. Flying nearly a combined 1000 hours (44 straight days), they serve the local community by providing world-class patient care, free of cost.
When did Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust and Taranaki Air Ambulance Trust merge?
Medi-Flight Taranaki was officially created as of the beginning of October 2024, including the election of a chairperson and board and formal establishment as a charitable trust (TRUST NUMBER) under the Charities Act 2005.
Operationally, we have some work to do to coordinate and unify operations that we will be undergoing over the coming months. This includes the co-location of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter to the Taranaki Air Ambulance Hangar at New Plymouth Airport in the near future.
When I donate, where does my money go?
We recognise each service has strong local support and advocates in Taranaki. Our generous donors can specify where their money goes towards at the time of donation.
