Life Flight

Each week 28 people need time-critical aeromedical care. With your support, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance Planes are there in their moment of need.

Meet the team

The teams

Leadership Team

  • Board of Trustees

    Life Flight is governed by an independent Board of Trustees. They ensure the Trust continues to meet the needs of the community by setting Life Flight’s strategic direction and providing oversight of the management.
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  • Mark Johnston

    Chief Executive

    I’m extremely privileged to lead Life Flight’s very talented and committed team from our base in Wellington.
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  • Harry Stevenson

    Head of Service Operations

    It’s been a pleasure to fly for Life Flight since 2005. Prior to working here, I built experience doing a wide range of commercial helicopter work in NZ, USA, UK, Australia and South America.
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  • Angela Cook

    Corporate Services Manager

    I have worked here since 2014 and help look after Finance, ICT, HR and Facilities. The best part about working here is knowing someone is being helped each time our aircrafts head out.
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  • Sebastian Grodd

    Head of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

    I joined Life Flight in 2008 and am responsible for ensuring enough donations are raised to keep the emergency teams flying every day.
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  • Craig Redpath

    Safety Systems Manager

    I joined Life Flight in March of 2018 with the hope of bringing a different perspective to my role in the organisation. The role has many day-to-day challenges, which makes for an interesting, and rewarding place of work.
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Support

  • Gavin McLellan

    Development manager

    Everyday it's inspiring to work with our most generous donors who keep us saving time and saving lives. My role is to nurture those remarkable supporters who want to leave a gift in their will or who want to make a significant impact with their philanthropy.
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  • Grant Elliott

    Partnerships Manager

    As the relationship manager for Life Flight, I’m responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders in our community. If you’re a business, organization, or individual who wants to learn how you can support Life Flight, I’d love to work with you.
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  • Lyndal Bremer

    Direct Marketing Manager

    In my role, I get to work with our amazing supporters who ensure our teams are ready to respond 24/7. It’s hugely rewarding and it’s great to be part of the Life Flight team.

  • Rafe Charles

    Marketing and Communications Coordinator

    My role manages the comms with our generous partners, sponsors, donors and loyal supporters. I love being able to deliver the inspiring stories our teams are responsible for.

  • Sandy Zhong

    Data Specialist

    My role is to utilise data to support the amazing work Life Flight does. It is very fulfilling to be able to join such a fantastic team.

  • Tessa Haigh

    Digital Marketing Manager

    My role is to ensure we have the right technology to ensure we are hyper-efficient and encourage people to join our amazing group of supporters. It’s a pleasure to be part of the team.

Onboard the Westpac Rescue Helicopter

  • Anna

    Westpac Chopper Pilot

    Before joining Life Flight in 2022, I worked in the Royal NZ Air Force and the Civil Aviation Authority. These roles have given me a lot of passion for my job and a dedication to safety. It's special to dedicate those skills to the community now.
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  • Dylan

    Westpac Chopper Pilot

    Hailing from South Africa, Dylan worked at an anti-poaching organisation before flying rescue helicopters.
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  • Harry

    Westpac Chopper Pilot

    Prior to joining Life Flight in 2005, I built experience doing a wide range of commercial helicopter work in NZ, the USA, the UK, Australia and South America. I am now Head of Service Operations and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilot.
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  • James

    Westpac Chopper Pilot

    After flying in Australia and Papua New Guinea for 14 years, it was great to return to Wellington in 2021. Every day is different when providing life-saving assistance for sick or injured people.
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  • Colin

    Westpac Chopper Crewperson

    I joined Life Flight in 2006 as a crewperson. I am a qualified Emergency Medical Technician and hold a National Diploma in Ambulance.
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  • Logan

    Westpac Chopper Crewperson

    I joined Life Flight in 2006, and am one of the skilled crew members on board the Westpac Rescue Helicopter

  • Mike

    Westpac Chopper Crewperson

    Prior to joining Life Flight in 2015, I worked for several helicopter operators around the world, working on wildfire, utility, aerial crane and logging operations.
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  • Male in flight suit smiling infront of Westpac Rescue Helicopter

    Scott

    Westpac Chopper Crewperson

    After eight years as a casual Fixed Wing crewman, I became a crewman in 2020. With a background in fire services and a love of aviation, I realised a dream to help people in need while doing what I love. My spare time involves motorbikes, tractors, travel or my lifestyle block.
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  • Glen

    Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedic

    I have worked in a variety of ambulance roles for 23 years, and joined Life Flight in 2009. Here, I utilise my clinical skills in challenging environments while working alongside a great team. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, freediving and generally getting outdoors.

  • Hamish

    Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedic

    I am one of the highly skilled Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedics onboard the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

  • Hannah

    Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedic

    Joining Life Flight in 2015, I am currently completing my doctoral studies at AUT. I am passionate about continuing education to ensure patients receive the highest level of care. In my spare time, I enjoy taking my son Sam out on new adventures.

  • James

    Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedic

    Working as a Paramedic in USA, I migrated to Wellington Free Ambulance where I joined Life Flight in 2015. Coming from a family of pilots, I combine my passions for aviation and medicine. My days off are spent exploring New Zealand's great backcountry with my family.

  • Nigel

    Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedic

    I have worked in the Ambulance service for 15 years and over 10 in the Aeromedical environment. There is no typical day, and it’s that unpredictability that appeals. I'm proud to be working for an organisation that is dedicated to saving lives.

  • Serah

    Wellington Free Ambulance Flight Paramedic

    I’ve been involved in pre-hospital care for about 20 years, with increasing helicopter duties over the past 5. It’s great to work with the highly skilled Life Flight team. My other passions are research and education.

Onboard the Air Ambulance Planes

  • Aadi

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    It's always been my passion to fly, and now I'm one of the lucky folks with the work-hobby of flying with a purpose. While off the runway, I'm always working on a dozen projects around the house, from upgrading my computer, touching up my car, and soldering life into my dead electronics.

  • Alistair

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I have flown for a living since 1984 in all sorts of roles; single-engine, single-seat to the largest being Safe Air Argosy aircraft, and passenger airliners in between. I joined Life Flight in 2013.

  • Chris

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I'm one of the experience pilots on our Air Ambulance Planes

  • Dan

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I'm one of the experienced pilots on our Air Ambulance Planes.

  • Dave

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I started my career with the RNZAF before flying in Aus then returning to NZ. My role as Captain on the Air Ambulance Planes sees me flying all over NZ day and night to help those in need. A big motorsport fan, I like attending F1 races and enjoy the beaches of NZ in summer.

  • Dion

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I have flown in many different operations for the last 25 years, joining Life Flight in 2012. I enjoy the variety of the Life Flight operation and being able to assist people in need.

  • Harry

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I've been flying since 2015 and it has always been my passion to fly the air ambulance for Life Flight. Outside of work I enjoy basketball and going for long walks. You'll often find me at a pub quiz on a Wednesday night as well.

  • Jol

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I am proud to be part of Life Flight and what it does for people who need our service. As a pilot, it’s exciting and rewarding as we never really know where we fly from one day to the next!

  • Krishneil

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    After flying in Fiji for 5 years, I moved to Wellington for a new challenge, joining Life Flight in 2019. Being a Pilot is rewarding as we give time-critical patients a fighting chance. On my days off I enjoy going to the gym and playing football with friends.

  • Kurt

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I joined the Life Flight team in April 2023. Being a Wellingtonian, I grew up watching the Life Flight planes take off and land at Wellington Airport. Therefore, it is now a privilege to be part of the team.

  • Luke

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I've been a pilot for more than 15 years, joining Life Flight in 2015. I like the varied nature of flying and working with professionals who have a wide range of backgrounds.

  • Mark

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I am one of the experienced pilots on our Air Ambulance Planes.

  • Tim

    Air Ambulance Pilot

    I am one of the experienced pilots on our Air Ambulance Planes.

  • Helena

    Air Ambulance Crewperson

    Our hard-working team does everything it can to get patients where they need to be. Every day I witness that dedication to helping people, and it’s amazing to think this service is made possible by our generous supporters. Outside of work I love drawing, painting, and running in the bush with my dog, Hero.
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  • Jack

    Air Ambulance Crewperson

    I joined the Life Flight team in April 2021. The best thing about my job is returning someone home to be with their whānau after a life-saving surgery.
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  • Jo

    Air Ambulance Crewperson

    I joined Life Flight in 2020, and the best thing about my job is that every day is different, and working with a great team. In my spare time, I love walking the tracks around Wellington or spending time at the gym.

  • Ian

    Air Ambulance Crewperson

    I am one of the experienced crew on our Air Ambulance Planes.

  • Matt

    Air Ambulance Crewperson

    I’ve been in the ambulance service since 2009 and have a passion for all things aviation. This is my dream job.

  • Steve

    Air Ambulance Crewperson

    I enjoy working at Life Flight, with a great team of like-minded, dedicated people.
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Ambassadors of Life Flight

  • Bill Day

    Life Member and Ambassador

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  • Clive Button

    Life Member and Ambassador

    Meet Clive Button - Crewperson, engineer, and founders' son.
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  • Juliet Best

    Artist in Residence

    Meet Juliet Best - Life Flight's Artist in Residence
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  • Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand

    Governor-General and Life Flight Patron

  • Life Members

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