Community helipad built to last forever

It has been described as the Rolls Royce helipad.

Situated on the town’s rugby grounds inside Miller Street Reserve, Cheviot locals have made sure the new dedicated weatherproof landing space for emergency service helicopters is there forever.

The official opening of the helipad took last Friday.

Cheviot Lions Helipad Committee Chair Giles Pinfold said it brings peace of mind that helicopters now have a dedicated landing pad, critical during bad weather. Hato Hone St John and the Cheviot Medical Centre staff are on site to transfer patients, local fundraising paid for the access road in the Reserve to be sealed.

The helipad proposal was initially put forward by the Cheviot Volunteer Fire Brigade to the Cheviot Lions Club. A Helipad Committee was formed which included Hato Hone St Johns, with great support expressed by Cheviot business owners and residents, Reserve users, Cheviot Rugby Club, the equestrian community and Cheviot A&P Association.

The proposal was approved by the Cheviot Community Committee 12 months ago.

Pinfold said construction of the 12m2 by 800mm high (300mm above ground) concrete pad was funded by Cheviot Lions through local fundraising, and the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust covered the remaining cost of associated fittings, an air sock, and installation of a control box and 240-volt lights within the helipad.

Locals rallied around donating money, materials, time, skills and services. Fire Brigade members were in charge of the construction of the helipad.

“It was amazing how well the fundraising went. Some of the help we received you can’t even put a dollar on.”

Ongoing costs such as light maintenance and repainting the lines every five years will be covered by Council amenity rates.

Pinfold said the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust alongside Garden City Helicopters have been so supportive with technical advice.

“This is a benchmark for other helipads around Canterbury, and it’s a wonderful asset for our community.”

Pinfold explained light activation is enabled by the helicopter pilot as they approach landing. Until now, the Cheviot Volunteer Fire Brigade was notified so engine lights could be used to assist nighttime landings.

Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has carried out more than 125 missions in the North Canterbury region over the past 12 months.

Instrument Flight Rules Captain Stu Farquar said it is all about being there for people in times of need, and having a helipad which can be activated for Instrument Flight Rules landing is fantastic, in fact “it is a pleasure to land on this helipad.”

“I have been involved with the rescue helicopter service for many years, and the developments in processes now will make such a difference to communities like Cheviot.”

He wanted to express a huge thank you to the Cheviot community, on behalf of all the Resue Pilot team.

Mayor Marie Black acknowledged the exceptional local leadership and a collective sole focus on providing a safe facility for emergency services.

“When time is critical, the helipad will be the means of minutes or seconds that make a difference, bringing comfort to residents and visitors to the Cheviot area. There is nothing more powerful than a community recognising an issue and then rallying around to do something about it.”