AUCKLAND RESCUE HELICOPTER TRUST

THURSDAY 8 MAY 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Long-Term Solution Needed For Amenities Funding

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust says it is committed to working constructively with Auckland Len Mayor Brown, central government and the nine other amenities covered by the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008 to find a better way to manage ongoing funding for the region’s essential rescue services and arts programmes.

“Mayor Brown has demonstrated real leadership in stepping up with today’s pragmatic solution to address this year’s funding cuts to our essential rescue helicopter service,” Greg Barrow, CEO of the helicopter trust, said today.

“However, nobody can think that the way we have got to this point should be repeated, if at all possible. It has cost too much time, money and stress for everyone.

“When we met with the Mayor on 24 March, we were impressed with his business-like, no-nonsense commitment to working with us, the other amenities and central government to fix the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008.

“We look forward to working with him to do just that, to ensure all ten amenities can operate under legislation that is effective and fair.”

Mr Barrow also thanked the people of Auckland for the financial and political support over the last few weeks.

“The Auckland Rescue Helicopter is there for the people of Auckland when they need it, and we are humbled that the people of Auckland were with us when we needed them,” he said.

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