FMC is deeply concerned that the National Ambulance Sector Office (NASO) has excluded Taupo, Rotorua and Te Anau in its recent call for air ambulance services proposals.  FMC strongly agrees with the Taupo District Mayor and the Phillips Search and Rescue Trust; the loss of these existing services will undoubtedly cost the lives of those who need immediate assistance in the mountains of these regions. Despite these towns having relatively small permanent populations, they are on the doorstep of some of NZ’s most visited mountain areas.

The geography and weather patterns of these areas mean that responding to emergencies from further afield will result in unacceptable delays and occasions where a rescue cannot be achieved.  Locally based rescue helicopters are essential for the fast, efficient and reliable rescue from rugged and remote areas. The loss of these services would mean an unacceptable decrease in the safety for many of our 20,000 members, and many thousands more members of the general public who recreate, live and work in these areas. These areas also have very high numbers of overseas visitors exploring our outdoors.

NASO is a joint entity managed by the Ministry of Health and ACC. FMC is calling on the Minister of Health, the Hon Dr David Clark and the Minister for ACC, the Hon Ian Lees-Galloway to ensure the provision of an effective and timely rescue service in the regions by maintaining the Taupo, Rotorua and Te Anau NASO funded rescue helicopter services.

We strongly encourage you to also send a letter expressing your concern to the Hon Ian Lees-Galloway and the Hon Dr David Clark  and encourage your friends, family and club to do the same.

FMC President Peter Wilson.

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