Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker says he is thrilled the Minister has come to his senses and backtracked on the decision to cut the Te Anau Rescue Chopper base.
“Together with the community, I lobbied to make the Minister see sense and backtrack on the decision to cut the Te Anau Rescue Chopper base,” Mr Walker says.
“The Te Anau Rescue Helicopter service plays a critical part in rural health care in Southland and Fiordland and has saved a countless amount of lives over the years.”
“It is because of this, I continued to advocate for this crucial service and I’m glad the Minister has backtracked on his original decision.”
“I lobbied because I understand the importance of the chopper in the remoteness of rural Southland and Fiordland.”
“There was so much at risk if this base was removed, but because of the strong outcry from the community, the Minister has had to backtrack and keep the service.”
“It has been a real community effort.”
“The experience of the pilots in Te Anau was too much in itself to lose, which has been built up over decades, and I’m thrilled the Minister has come to his senses.”