Essential training with the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew took place on the weekend in the Tauranga harbour, with the helicopter soon to be deployed to the central North Island.

On Saturday, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew were taking part in training exercises with the Port of Tauranga tug in Pilot Bay and around the Tauranga harbour entrance.

“Training occurs regularly and is critical due to the risks associated with operating in such a wide range of conditions,” Philips Search & Rescue Trust Head of Fundraising and Marketing Sharni Weir said.

“The rescue helicopter crew must be fully trained and equipped for all missions, staying up to date with the latest training techniques to ensure they are able to perform life-saving rescues.”

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter conducting essential training with a Port of Tauranga Tug on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Photo/Claire Rogers. 

Onlookers in Pilot Bay and around the Mauao base track watched as the rescue helicopter following behind the Port of Tauranga’s pilot boat from the harbour entrance to the wharves near Salisbury Wharf.

The helicopter was black with a green top, and orange around the tail.

On March 3, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter team conducted essential training exercises over water in Pilot Bay and Wairoa River, where they focused on winching techniques to safely rescue patients in challenging environments.

Martinovich said the public can expect to see the crew training regularly.

“This rescue helicopter will be moving to the Central Plateau and Lakes region to be the H145 rescue helicopter there, hence the paint job which is half completed.

“The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter will be in Tauranga soon with a new paint job.”

Flightradar24 screen showing the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter undertaking training near the Tauranga Harbour entrance on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Image/Flightradar24/Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter recently achieved a record-breaking 66 life-saving missions in January, the highest number of missions ever completed in a single month within the coastal Bay of Plenty region.

These missions included 31 inter-hospital transfers, seven medical events, 16 rural or farm incidents, three motor vehicle accidents, and nine miscellaneous operations.

Being highly trained to meet all types of situations whether on land or over water means the rescue helicopter and its crew can provide the best care as quickly as possible.

The community is encouraged to support the rescue team by donating towards critical life-saving equipment: https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/aerocool-rescue-helicopter/donate