A Westpac Rescue Helicopter and crew will be based at the Whitianga Airfield for the summer holiday period.

New chairman of the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust, John Stephenson, confirmed the helicopter will be stationed on the Peninsula until mid-February, reports Coromandel's CFM.

John replaces Merv George who has retired from the Trust.

He says he looks forward to continuing the development of the Trust and the raising of funds to support the helicopter rescue services into the region.

Additional support has been provided to the Trust by Farmer Auto Village with the motor vehicle dealer providing a utility to be used by crew members.

John says the generosity of Mike Farmer and his team at Farmer Auto Village is appreciated, the vehicle would be an asset to the trust and rescue helicopter team while based at Whitianga.