The Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust is pleased to introduce two new rescue crew members to the Tairāwhiti community.

Joanna Fraser and Joe Gibbs have joined the Trust as Air Crew Officers — trained medics who form an essential part of the three-person rescue crew.

In addition to providing medical care, Air Crew Officers carry out critical rescue tasks, including operating the winch to lower the Critical Care Paramedic to patients in challenging environments.

“This is my dream job,” said Joanna, smiling from ear to ear.

Joanna recently left the New Zealand Defence Force after a distinguished career spanning 24 years, including 10 years in the Navy and 14 years in the Army as a medic. She has relocated to Gisborne with her husband and their two children, aged three and ten, seeking a fresh start.

“Gizzy’s really growing on me — it’s so unique here,” she said.

“My partner is from Tolaga Bay, so it made sense for us to try Tairāwhiti as our new home. When this role came up, I jumped at the chance. I still can’t believe I’m here.”

Joe Gibbs brings extensive international experience to the role, having served for six years as a helicopter crewman in the Royal British Navy before training as a paramedic in Manchester.

“My whole career has been geared towards landing a search and rescue role like this, and I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

Joe’s background includes counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, disaster relief in Honduras, and counter-terrorism missions aboard large military helicopters such as the Merlin.

“My wife is working as a doctor at Gisborne Hospital, so this role is absolutely ideal — and the team is awesome,” he added.

“It’s so easy to be active here. We love surfing and swimming, so we’ve adapted really well to life in Gisborne.”

The Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust is proud to have Joanna and Joe on board and looks forward to the experience, skill, and passion they bring to serving the Tairāwhiti region.