Family owned and fast expanding local business Tumu has issued a challenge to other Hawke’s Bay businesses to join them in paying part of the deposit for the region’s new rescue helicopter.

To secure the new $20 million state-of-the-art H145 Airbus, Hawke’s Bay’s Rescue Helicopter Trust has committed to paying a deposit of $3.8 million over three tranches. With the third and final tranche payment due by June 30, 2025 and the Trust’s limited capital reserves, local business support is more critical now than ever.

HBRHT Chief Executive Andy Quayle explains.

“There has been no lack of encouragement from individuals or businesses who all recognise and support the rescue helicopter service. The challenge has been parties having the ability to provide larger scale financial support during a pretty tough economic time. The Trust has had to reach deep into its reserves, so having parties like Tumu Group be able to support has been amazing.

“Tumu are a long-standing successful Hawke’s Bay Business who are well entrenched in supporting the region. Having their financial backing towards the new helicopter is significant and will hopefully encourage other local businesses or groups with a larger financial capacity to reach out as well to support our new lifesaving aircraft.”

Tumu’s rebranded tagline ‘Growing Good’ reflects the business’s long-term vision and values. Company Director Brendan O’Sullivan says supporting the region’s lifesaving air rescue service aligns with their company ethos and corporate moral compass.

“The Rescue Helicopter Trust is a well-known and highly respected organisation in Hawke’s Bay. We took the initial step to help fund the new helicopter, seizing the opportunity to lead as a responsible local business, and build a better future for generations to come.

“We encourage other organisations with similar values to join us in making this new helicopter a reality. It would be fantastic to see three more organisations step up to support the Trust and make this important initiative happen.”

Founded fifty years ago, Tumu now employs over six hundred staff across various industries including: wood processing and manufacturing, finance, private capital, import and distribution, transport and logistics, and property.

“We all know someone or have a connection with someone who has been rescued by Hawke’s Bay’s rescue helicopter, and we really value the work they do in times of emergency and need. The work of the team is considered a highly valued service in our community,” says Brendan.

Hawke’s Bay’s new H145D3 Airbus heralds a significant advancement for the region but ahead of its arrival, further capital investment is required to make upgrades to its Hastings based hangar.

Andy Quayle adds, “the new helicopter is larger and requires alterations to the hangar which also carry a large cost. As a charitable trust, we are heavily reliant on external groups to support these endeavours. This means looking to grant providers, businesses or individuals in a position to support the Trust to bring these projects to fruition.

“The hangar requires extending to accommodate the increased aircraft size. This involves extending the walls out, made more difficult given the large and very heavy doors that significantly drive up the cost of the upgrade. In addition, new equipment like a ‘heli carrier’ is required to move the helicopter in and out of the hangar. These items all carry hefty price tags but are essential ahead of the aircraft arriving.”

Tumu Director Brendan O’Sullivan is hoping they’re not the only business or philanthropic provider answering the call.

For us here at Tumu, our support for, and connection with the community we live and work in is an important part of our Tumu DNA, and we won’t be the only local business that feels this way. Our relationship with the rescue helicopter is very much a partnership and one we’re extremely privileged and proud to be a part of.”

Hawke’s Bay’s Rescue Helicopter Crew conduct around 400 lifesaving missions every year and rely on grants, sponsorship and donations to operate. If you are a business or large-scale funder wanting to support the new helicopter acquisition, please get in touch on (06) 878 1630 or email andy@hbhrt.org.nz

The new H145D3 will provide: enhanced safety features, a greater ability to access and conduct missions that crew currently need to decline, enhanced patient and crew comfort, greater mission range and fuel capacity, and an increased weight limit enabling transport of multiple patents /whānau if required.

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