Impact Stats
Since 1975, over 42,000 Kiwis have been flown by Life Flight.
Your generosity keeps the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance Planes in the air—ready to respond 24/7.
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Air Ambulance Planes
Our Fleet
Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Real Stories, Real Impact
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Ready 24/7
Every week, 32 people need Life Flight. Whether it’s a critically ill baby, a serious accident, or a remote medical emergency, Life Flight is ready 24/7. Your support makes these missions possible.
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🚁🌙 A rescue that could have ended very differently.![]()
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A couple of weeks ago, deep in the rugged Tararua Ranges, two trampers found themselves stranded on an exposed ridgeline after becoming lost in remote alpine terrain as darkness fell.![]()
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With temperatures dropping, no shelter available, and exhaustion setting in, they made the critical decision to activate their Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).![]()
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Tasked by Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand CNZ, our rescue helicopter crew launched into the night, using Night Vision Goggles to search the remote mountain range before locating the pair at around 4,000 feet.![]()
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Unable to land, the aircraft held a precision hover while a critical care flight paramedic was winched down to reach the stranded trampers. Found huddled in sleeping bags, conserving precious body heat in freezing conditions, both were assessed, prepared for extraction, and safely winched into the helicopter before being flown to safety.![]()
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This mission highlights the specialist skills, advanced technology, and teamwork required to rescue people from some of New Zealand's most challenging environments. ![]()
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It also serves as an important reminder: if you're heading into remote areas, carry a PLB and don't wait too long to use it.![]()
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In this case, that decision likely saved two lives.![]()
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🚁 We are proud of the crews who stand ready, day and night, to respond when New Zealanders ne#lifeflightt#RescueHelicoptere#searchandrescueS#tararuaranges #PLBa#nightrescueL#savinglivesue #SavingLives![]()
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Image from night winch training
A memorable mission from Gisborne to Waikato ✈️❤️![]()
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On Saturday evening, our Waikato air ambulance crew transported a child and her mum from Gisborne to Waikato for ongoing treatment and care.![]()
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The mission wasn't without its challenges. Gisborne was experiencing heavy rain and low cloud, with conditions right down to our operating minimums and almost too low to land. Thanks to the skill and experience of our crew, we were able to safely land, collect the young patient, and take off - avoiding the worst of the weather on the journey back.![]()
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Despite the circumstances, there was still time for a special moment. It was our young patient's very first flight, and we're told they loved their Life Flight soft toy, which helped make the journey a little more comforting and memorable.![]()
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"It was a special moment for us to transport our patient on their very first ever flight, and be able to get them the care that was needed. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do" Captain Ricky says.![]()
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Every mission is different, but thanks to your support our crews are always ready to go the distance to connect patients with the care they need.![]()
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#LifeFlight #AirAmbulance #Waikato #Gisborne #CriticalCare #SavingLives
Yesterday, we were honoured to be presented with a cheque for $670,000 by Chemist Warehouse New Zealand, and were absolutely blown away.![]()
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Every dollar raised means that more people in need can reach the life-saving medical care they need through our Air Ambulance planes, and it reflects the incredible kindness, support, and generosity of the community ✈️![]()
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We couldn't be more grateful - both to Chemist Warehouse and the community, and to the wonderful patients Catherine, Georgia and baby Mirabella, Charlotte and her son Stan, and Air Ambulance Crewperson Steve for sharing their stories throughout this fundraising campaign ❤️![]()
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On behalf of everyone at Life Flight - thank you!![]()
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📷 Left to right: Grant Elliot - Life Flight Partnership Manager, Zuben Patel - Chemist Warehouse Sales Director, Stacey McGrillen - Chemist Warehouse Partnership Lead, Sebastian Grodd - Life Flight Head of Fundraising and Marketing
Air Crew Officer Lou captured this moment during last week's training session. Here, Critical Care Paramedic James practices rescuing someone from a freshwater lake using a training dummy, with Pilot James, and Air Crew Officer Mike operating the Westpac Chopper. ![]()
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Our crew regularly take part in training like this, because they never know what challenges they might face when responding to emergencies. Their readiness is vital to ensuring they can safely provide lifesaving care when it matters most.![]()
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And it's your support that makes it possible - Donate today at lifeflight.org.nz/donate-now to ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Crew have the skills they need to save lives in.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our team's work isn't just responding to those in urgent need; it's bringing patients home after they've received life-saving care but still require extra medical equipment and support on their journey to get there. ![]()
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Air Ambulance Crewperson Alex captured this video as she and her crew transported a baby back to Nelson, allowing the little one to continue their recovery after time spent in Wellington Hospital's NICU.![]()
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Flights like these are only made possible thanks to you. Your support enables patients - from the youngest to the oldest - to continue their recovery journey at home, surrounded by friends and whānau.![]()
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To help ensure that these life-saving and life-changing continue across Aotearoa New Zealand, donate today at www.lifeflight.org.nz/donate-now/
Your support takes us further
Life Flight relies on the kindness of the community, businesses, and volunteers to keep flying.
Whether you want to give, partner, volunteer or fundraise, you’ll be part of something life-changing.
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Read more about Missions overview
Missions overview
Discover Life Flight's crucial aeromedical missions in New Zealand, providing critical care and transportation with Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance Planes. Explore highlights, fleet details, and diverse mission types. Support our life-saving efforts today. -
Read more about Contact Us
Contact Us
The friendly Life Flight team is here to help. Simply fill out the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Alternatively, contact us via phone during business hours Monday – Friday on 04-920 2242. -
Read more about Mission stories
Mission stories
Read the real stories of those whose lives were saved – your support made it possible.
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