The Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter was established in 1991, formerly known as the NZ Rail Helicopter. It has undertaken over 10,600 missions since its inception.
Over the years as the service grew, the need for a new helicopter became apparent and June 2015 marked the official launch of the new BK117, which continues to save lives in the Manawatu and Whanganui regions to this day. In September 2022, the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was renamed as the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter.
