The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched at 1.45 pm, on 2 January, to Whakatane Hospital.
A critically ill stroke patient required urgent surgery and was flown directly to Auckland Hospital.
On return to Tauranga the rescue team where dispatched by NZ Police to assist in the search for a missing diver. The helicopter started the search approximately 1 mile off the coast at Maketu.
Two coastguard boats and two surf lifesaving IRB’s were involved in the search. The helicopter had been on scene for about 20 mins when the diver was spotted floating on the surface. He was taken ashore at Maketu and received medical attention.
