Pressure from North Island communities has put Taupō and Rotorua-based rescue helicopter services back in the mix. It would leave a large area in the central North Island without ready access to a rescue helicopter. supplied NASO will amend this map, allowing rescue helicopter providers that put bases in Rotorua and Taupō to be considered. DANIEL HUTCHINSON/STUFF Base manager Nat Every highlights the gap in the North Island rescue helicopter service should the Taupō base be removed. Every said it didn't matter which organisation or pilot ran the Taupō base in future.

Source: Stuff April 23, 2018 06:14 UTC