Call it Murphy's law or the summer daze, but every holiday season Tauranga's Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter crew are kept extra busy helping rescue people who get themselves in trouble.

Pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly is gearing up for another busy rescue season, while most are relaxing on holiday, expecting to be kept active helping people who get into difficulties during summer.

Pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly. Photos: Bruce Barnard.

'On top of our regular medical work there are always a lot of rescues, with people doing recreational-type activities,” says Liam, who has been practising their water rescue technique to ensure crew are prepared if needed during the summer boating season.

To help keep safe during summer, he encourages everyone to think ahead and be prepared for difficulties – 'it all comes back to common sense”.

The rescue helicopter now sports a fresh look, having been repainted with Trustpower's new branding. But despite its vibrant colours and racier look, Liam says the AS350 B2 ‘Squirrel' helicopter's top speed remains the same, with a cruise speed of 120 knots (222 km/h) with a range of 600km.

Liam says the service would not be possible without the support of principal sponsors Trustpower and TECT, which have backed it for more than 10 years.

'So, it's great to see that connection with their support emphasised in the new look.”