Brief History
On 10 April 1968, a plumber called Peter Button watched the tragedy of the inter-island ferry ‘Wahine' sinking. Peter knew that a helicopter, with its speed and ability to get to difficult places, would have been invaluable in saving lives.
Watching the rescuers struggle (52 lives were lost that day), Peter turned to a friend and said the words that founded Life Flight: "There has to be a better way". Peter's dream of a fully dedicated rescue helicopter for Wellington had begun.
With financial backing from Wellington businessman Mark Dunajtschik, Peter purchased a helicopter and learnt how to fly it. He began working closely with local neurosurgeon Dr Russell Worth and become seriously involved with rescue work.
In 1981 a major milestone was achieved through the initiative of Public Relations Manager Bill Day (subsequently Chairman of Life Flight) when the Commercial Bank of Australia (later becoming Westpac) began sponsoring the rescue helicopter service. This special relationship still exists today.
Peter received an OBE in 1982 in recognition of his services to the community. Then in 1987, only a few days before his tragic death, Peter received the Queen's Medal for Gallantry (along with his son Clive who received commendation for brave conduct) for the dramatic rescue of the crew of the Lady Elizabeth II Police launch, which capsized during a storm.
A few days after being honoured, tragedy struck. On 20 November 1987 he was flying property developer Dion Savage and local photographer Ronald Woolf on an aerial photography flight when they were diverted to help the Police search for an escaped prisoner.
The helicopter clipped a high-tension power cable at Glenside, half way between Johnsonville and Tawa, and all three were killed.
Wellington had lost one of its most respected sons; a man who had a dream about a better way and set about making it happen. The Life Flight Trust is proud to continue Peter's dream. With the fantastic support of staff, Trustees, the public, and sponsors, the Life Flight Trust has gone on to help save more than 14,000 lives.
Life Flight is now an around-the-clock, dedicated air rescue and air ambulance service with one helicopter and two air ambulance aeroplanes. We operate from bases in both Wellington and Auckland. We think that Peter would be very proud of what his dream has become.
