Life Flight

More than 60 Lions Clubs from across New Zealand have banded together in a remarkable national fundraising effort, raising $500,000 for Life Flight.

Published 12th January 2026

It’s the result of more than three years of garden trails, quiz nights, book fairs and community events from Kaikohe to Canterbury and Greymouth.

The funds will cover a major cockpit upgrade for Life Flight’s fifth air ambulance – a state-of-the-art intensive care aircraft now in service, designed to transport critically ill and injured patients nationwide.

The aircraft upgrade comes at a crucial time. Life Flight has seen sustained growth in demand – flying more than 1,600 patients last year – and the new air ambulance will boost capacity and resilience, particularly for people in rural and remote areas.

The project was spearheaded by the Waikanae Lions Club, who rallied support from 60 other clubs across the country. For Lions NZ, the campaign reflects their long-standing commitment to community health and their belief in the power of collective action.

“This has been one of the most rewarding projects we’ve ever undertaken,” says PDG Simon Williams of the Waikanae Lions Club. “Lions Clubs exist to serve – and what better way to serve than helping save lives in every corner of Aotearoa? We’re immensely proud of what our members and communities have achieved together.”

The campaign included a diverse range of events across the motu, including a Lions garden trail, Royal New Zealand Air Force Band concert, sausage sizzles and more.

Life Flight Chief Executive Mark Johnston says the cockpit upgrade is critical. “This gift means our pilots will have the modern tools they need to navigate safely, especially in poor weather or unfamiliar areas. It’s a lifesaving difference.”

The new aircraft, stationed at Life Flight’s Wellington airbase, is the fifth air ambulance in the charity’s expanding aeromedical fleet.

ENDS

For further media enquiries, images, and to request an interview please contact:

Life Flight Trust
Courtenay Trass
Marketing and Communications Specialist
E: courtenay@lifeflight.org.nz
T: 027 775 4260