Key Milestones

Life Flight can trace its beginnings to a single tragic event - the sinking of the Wahine ferry in Wellington Harbour, and a single man, Peter Button, who witnessed the event. More than 40 years later Life Flight has experienced many key milestones. Learn all about them here.

1968	The inter-island ferry Wahine sinks in Wellington Harbour only a few hundred metres from shore. While watching the horror unfold, Peter Button... (+more)
1975	With financial help, Peter Button purchases a Hughes 300 helicopter and starts flying lessons... (+more)
1976	Peter is granted an air operating licence after serious flooding in the Hutt Valley, but is initially restricted to operating within a 48km radius of Wellington Airport.
1977	Capital Helicopters upgrades to a Bell Jet Ranger 206B. The Jet Ranger is equipped with a full range of search and rescue equipment... (+more)
1978	On 28 February Capital Helicopters performs its first inter-hospital transfer. A truck driver involved in an accident is transferred from Wellington to Christchurch's Burwood Spinal Unit.
1981	Through the initiative of Public Relations Manager Bill Day (subsequently Chairman of Life Flight) the Commercial Bank of Australia... (+more)
1982	In November The Life Flight Trust is established. Peter Button is awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to the community.
1983	The Life Flight Trust leases a fixed-wing aircraft for long-range medical transfers of critical patients on an as-required basis... (+more)
1986	The 'Lady Elizabeth II', Wellington's Police launch, sinks in Wellington Harbour... (+more)
1987	Peter Button receives the Queen's Medal for Gallantry and his son Clive is recognised with a Queen's Commendation for bravery for their part in the ‘Lady Liz' rescue. Tragedy strikes on 20 November... (+more)
1988	The Trust introduces the first twin-engine rescue helicopter to New Zealand, a Bolkow BO105. The Life Flight Trust then introduces the AS350B Squirrel Helicopter, which commences service the following year... (+more)
1989	Life Flight develops its own helicopter stretcher bridges. Patients can now be transported without being disconnected from intensive care equipment... (+more)
1993	Life Flight upgrades to the BK117 Rescue Helicopter (HHI), widely regarded as the best helicopter in the world for emergency work... (+more)
1994	New Zealand Post commences sponsorship of the fixed-wing service for four years... (+more)
1995	A helicopter pad is opened on the roof of Wellington Hospital... (+more)
1996	The helicopter rescues an injured fisherman from a boat 333km east of the Chatham Islands... (+more)
1999	Life Flight designs and builds a new neonatal incubator that is more compact... (+more)
2000	The air ambulance workload doubles. In September a new record is set as both aircraft complete a combined total of 16 missions in 48 hours.
2001	The Life Flight NZ Air Ambulance is launched. This Metroliner fixed-wing aircraft carries two stretcher patients at intensive care level when required, up to four clinical staff... (+more)
2002	Life Flight decides to build its own dedicated air rescue centre... (+more)
2003	The new Life Flight Air Rescue Centre is officially opened by the Governor-General... (+more)
2004	The new Life Flight Westpac Rescue Helicopter is officially dedicated by Ann Sherry, Chief Executive of Westpac New Zealand... (+more)
2005	The Auckland-based Life Flight air ambulance begins operating from Auckland Airport... (+more)
2006	Life Flight's Auckland air ambulance operation announces '1,000 people flown' in its first year. Life Flight and Westpac celebrate 25 years of sponsorship with the Bike for Chopper event.
2008	The Auckland Air Ambulance base moves to new premises... (+more)
2008	Ian reached a personal milestone recently - 40 years of service in the ambulance sector... (+more)

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