From helicopter rescue, to solar networking, to a win for wool carpeting, to the HB Knowledge Bank, here are some noteworthy announcements you might have missed.
Busy year for Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Service
With the final figures now in, a total of 317 patients were airlifted last year with the majority of missions being inter-hospital transfers totalling 162 as at December 31. Accident related rescues remained comparatively high for the region, totalling 101 missions followed by 78 medical missions and 38 search and rescue operations.
Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust Chief Executive, Andy Quayle notes: “As a country renowned for its outdoor pursuits and remote terrain, the need for rescue helicopters as an essential service cannot be understated. If you, or someone you love, ever finds themselves in a time critical emergency, it’s highly likely that the rescue helicopter will be deployed to assist.”
Chief Pilot Charlie Beetham is incredibly proud of his team’s commitment.
“The recent stingray attack near Pongaroa that made national news stands out as a memorable mission, where patient Eli Carroll narrowly escaped losing his life due to a stingray barb near his femoral artery. Our crew and medical team on board provided specialist care en route to hospital, ensuring Eli’s condition stabilised during the flight. The team’s swift response and ability to remain calm under pressure were pivotal in saving his life.
To meet its annual operating costs HBRHT needs to raise around $1.4 million each year. Quayle says the Trust remains incredibly grateful for the continued community support in what has been challenging economic times.
“We have seen renewed interest in sponsoring the service and donations from individuals has grown during the year. A recent social media campaign calling for donors to support the crew’s Mini Starlink connectivity, attracted an immediate response. Added to this, the benefit we receive from reciprocal charity events has also been incredibly heartening with a standout last year being the Winter Olympics who on their own raised over $50,000 – an impressive feat.
“A highlight for 2024 was placing an order to upgrade to a new state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopter. Offering greater efficiency, higher capability, more capacity and speed and less maintenance cost, the H145 heralds a new era for Hawke’s Bay’s air rescue services.”
Nourished for Nil joins solar network
Te Rehe Solar Network, founded by Stewart Financial Group, announced the addition of Nourished for Nil to its community solar initiative. This partnership will help power the organisation’s Hastings operations with locally-sourced sustainable energy.
Te Rehe Solar Network is a community-focused sustainable energy initiative connecting solar energy producers with local organisations throughout New Zealand. The network currently serves 106 members, with 47 active energy producers contributing to the wider community. It is hosted by Our Energy who provides the technology solution that underpins the network.
“The technology behind Te Rehe Solar Network allows us to efficiently manage and distribute surplus solar energy to where it’s needed most in our community,” says John Campbell of Our Energy. “This platform ensures seamless energy sharing between producers and community organisations like Nourished for Nil.”
“Having our energy costs reduced through this innovative community initiative means we can redirect more resources to our core mission of reducing food waste and feeding our community,” says Christina McBeth, CEO of Nourished for Nil. “This partnership demonstrates how sustainable solutions can enhance our ability to serve those in need.”
The Network welcomes additional solar array owners who wish to contribute surplus energy to support Nourished for Nil’s mission.
Farmers win on wool carpets
Federated Farmers is welcoming today’s decision by Kāinga Ora to give wool carpet providers the chance to tender for supply of carpet and underlay in its homes.
As BayBuzz previously reported, a previous request for proposals (RFP) confined bids to synthetic carpets, not even allowing wool to compete.
Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams commented: “Now it’s up to wool carpet providers to make sure their proposals are competitive, and highlight all the factors that make the natural product superior to synthetics.
“Wool provides better insulation and warmth, it’s moisture wicking, and it’s a natural fire retardant. It’s also hypoallergenic, and better for those with asthma.”
Kāinga Ora says the new RFP is for supplying floor coverings for 2,650 new homes and 3000 renovations between now and June 2026.
HB Knowledge Bank news
There’s no better way to dig into Hawke’s Bay’s history than to follow and support the digital archiving work of the HB Knowledge Bank.
For a taste, check out their latest newsletter.
