Out of the fat and into the fire! and the drama that continues to emanate from within the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust operation continues.
Now we see the plaintiff media pleading by the TRHT Chairman looking for yet more community funding because two, (yes TWO) major sponsors have indicated they are to withdraw their significant on-going financial support.
What is little known is that the community have already willingly contributed well in excess of ten million to this operation, but that a huge percentage of that donated funding has been quickly removed out of Taranaki, and with other funds otherwise mismanaged or squandered in an on-going saga of poor management and decision making over a number of recent years.
This is a valuable 'community' asset that has recently been systematically managed toward the brink of failure by a group of Trustees and Management, who have continually failed to heed the proven advice, skill and experience of seasoned industry personnel.
Isn't it about time that someone asked 'why' this generous sponsorship has been withdrawn by two significant and hugely generous community funding entities? Isn't it long overdue that questions were publicly asked and answered (transparently this time) around the insidious demise of a 'rising star' SAR and EMS Rescue Helicopter Operation that once boasted significant reserve funding, a dedicated and highly skilled team of community volunteers and a bright operational future. Surely there is an obvious need for an in-depth 'top-down' audit of the Trust's financial and operational management strategies before any further losses are sustained. Every donation, regardless of how small or large must be protected and prudently managed for maximum benefit to the community. There is absolutely no place for waste, extravagance or 'keeping up with the Joneses'!
So, now we see a daily barrage of media headlines begging for still more donations to 'save' this operation. But what's changed?, and when will the truth of the financial waste and incompetent management be publicly revealed? And what of the future of this community operation? To throw more generously donated community funding at the current management model will surely only deliver the same result. It would seem the solution to that question is clear!
Can TRHT be 'Rescued"? Should it in fact be 'Rescued'? or do we step back, and look to those who actually know how to operate a business of this nature?
Surely enough is enough!
