Today is the first day of the summer service with Westpac Rescue Helicopter service returning to operate one of the Auckland helicopters from the base in Whitianga.

New chairman of the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust, John Stephenson, confirmed the helicopter will be stationed on the Peninsula until mid-February.

John recently replaced Merv George who has retired from the Trust.

John said he looked forward to continuing the development of the Trust and its key role of raising funds to support the helicopter rescue services into the region.

Additional support has been provided to the Trust by Farmer Auto Village with the motor vehicle dealer providing a utility to be used by crew members. John said the generosity of Mike Farmer and his team at Farmer Auto Village was appreciated, the vehicle would be an asset to the trust and rescue helicopter team while based at Whitianga.