Well, finally, a response from NASO (https://sjponeill.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/naso-response-12-apr-20181.pdf) Unsurprisingly but unhelpfully, it doesn't answer the questions we asked: it just regurgitates that same information in its website. We would still like answers to these questions: Why is NASO silent? Could you please provide the data that supports your call for twin-engined helicopters capable of carrying a minimum of two patients? Why were local MPs, councils, and other affected organisations not consulted prior to the release of the tender document? Why does the map on Page 12 of the RFP claim to show current air ambulance operating bases when those current bases at Taupo, Rotorua and Te Anau have been omitted? I will respond tomorrow but the NASO response only convinces me further that someone in Government is trying to pull a swifty... Staff for the Minister for ACC, Iain Lees-Galloway, advised today that "..., as ACC is a crown entity, Minister Lees-Galloway is unable to intervene in its operational processes..." So...the Minster for ACC is unable to intervene in ACC's processes...? Really..? How does that work? I am sure he would and should be able to question its practices to ensure that it is meeting its outputs and objectives. Surely it is the Minister's job to make sure that such initiatives actually meet the needs of the communities at risk? I'm just not falling for that hands-off approach. Disappointing... A march in support of the Taupo Rescue Helicopter is planned for midday on Monday 16 April in Taupo. TV1 interviewed me this morning with the intent to screen the interview as part of its coverage of the march. This is an opportunity for Central North Island supporters to publicly show their support for this vital and proven life-saving capability. It's all very easy to click-sign the petition or even to donate the cost of a latte to the rescue helicopters...let's get out there on Monday to publicly demonstrate our support for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter. Lyndal is working with local authorities and groups to organise a similar march in Te Anau later next week, probably Friday at this point, to keep momentum building. We'll post details as they are confirmed. So far, we haven't been in touch with anyone leading the push in Rotorua to protect its rescue helicopter. If anyone knows who is the right person to contact or would like to be that person, could you please contact Lyndal or me. Ideally we would like to have a march in Rotorua the following week to coincide with the Prime Minister's return from overseas. Really need to hear from you Rotorua folks... Lots and lots of support pouring in from all quarters...and still no one offering a contrary perspective. I would love for someone to be able to say that we've got it wrong and show us how the proposed new structure will provide the same level of service let alone one that is significantly better than what we have now. The weasel words from NASO today don't come close to cutting it....where are the facts...? Where was the community consultation? I have yet to hear of let alone meet anyone who was involved in any consultation prior to the release of the RFP...if you were, please speak up... As it write, our signatures are around 15,600, well ahead of tomorrow's target of 15,000...please, please, please keep sharing the links, and telling our stories of what these helicopters and their awesome crews do for us all...