New BK-117 on the West Coast!

Greymouth put on a superb day to celebrate the ROA Mining Rescue launch of the new BK-117 helicopter, at the Greymouth Air Rescue Hangar on 3 December.

In her speech Christine Prince, Chief Executive of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, expressed her excitement over the long-awaited addition to the service and said that “the additional helicopter would not have been possible without the support of the key sponsors, local community organisations and individuals who support the service.”

She thanked ROA Mining principal sponsor, in addition to Electronet, Mitre 10, Westfleet Seafoods, Ashley Hotel, Rapid Relief Team, Freemasons who support the service through their donations and fundraising efforts and highlighted the importance of the world-class West Coast service to the local people.

Murray Willocks (Chair), local Ambassador Willie McBride and crew member Stu Drake also spoke as part of the proceedings.

The launch event was a testimony to the community spirit of the West Coast.