Don't get me wrong...
While some social and community media would have us believe that TRHT has only just 'arrived', this has clearly been a very tidy operation over the years with a very strong Volunteer Team, a number of high quality Pilots, an extremely supportive community, and an amazing funding stream offered up by a raft of extremely generous sponsors. Anyone who has paid any attention will know that for a long time, only the highest operational skill standards were considered acceptable, only the most appropriate equipment was put in to service, and only the best operational performance was tolerated.
And to be fair, it would seem to be a natural progression that they move toward owning their own aircraft given the various business options available. When we look around we see comparable Rescue Helicopter operations that have successfully grown themselves into a healthy business entity, and offering a comprehensive service with a widely skilled team. In the not-to-distant past, TRHT were well on the way to becoming one of them.
So, once again, it begs the question. What is really going on that has caused this operation to fail to the point of imminent closure? When will the Public and the Community Sponsors require an 'in-depth' financial audit? and when will those who have been entrusted to manage this essential community funded asset be held to account for it's current position before more community funds are tipped into the same hole.
This is not going to be fixed by throwing more money at it. So if Taranaki is to retain a Rescue Helicopter Service, where to from here?