The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was called to rescue a group of trampers from the Ruahine Range on Sunday.
Two personal locator beacons were set-off after some of the trampers fell ill with gastroenteritis.
The group were halfway through their hike when several of them fell ill.
The group had then split in to two.
Three patients needed helicopter transport and were flown to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.
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A petition to help keep the CHB SPCA Centre in Waipukurau open has been setup.
According to the SPCA, the Waipukurau centre has been temporarily closed due to staffing issues, but some fear the closure will be permanent.
The petition is available at a number of local shops.
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Hawke’s Bay Hospitals Emergency Department has had its two busiest days on record this week.
192 people presented to the ED on Monday, and 196 on Tuesday.
Chief Medical and Dental Officer, Robin Whyman, said generally they would see about 130 presentations a day.
The DHB is asking people to seek early treatment from their GP or local medical centre, or to talk to a pharmacist or to call the free Healthline number.
Dr Whyman is urging people with mild respiratory symptoms to stay home.
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A number of headstones have been either damaged or stolen from the Waipukurau Cemetery.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said sometime between Monday last week and Monday this week, two headstones of people who died in the 1930’s, and of two returned servicemen who died in the 1940’s, were kicked off, with one smashed in half.
He said one headstone from another part of the cemetery are missing completely.
Marble crosses from other graves in the cemetery were also broken.
Mr Walker said it is “pretty disgraceful behaviour”, and Police would like to hear from anyone with information.
