It’s real, authentic, and impacts our people and our communities.
That’s how Peter Conley, ANZCO Foods Chief Executive, describes the company’s partnership with the rescue helicopter service. It’s also why ANZCO Foods recently committed to support the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust for another three years.
“Our people are rural – they’re on farms or working at our sites. We know how quickly an accident or a medical event can happen and in that moment we’re proud that we support their lifeline – the rescue helicopter,” Peter says.
ANZCO Foods is one of New Zealand’s largest beef and lamb exporters distributing products to more than 80 countries. The company operates nine processing and food manufacturing sites – mainly in rural New Zealand – and has more than 3,000 employees worldwide.
ANZCO Foods’ partnership with the rescue helicopter service runs deep including providing product to the Trust’s fundraising events like the charity golf tournament and annual Chopper Gala dinner.
The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has presented at various ANZCO events, and the ANZCO team has toured through the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base, and cooked lunch for the crew.
“Our staff really buy into our sponsorship of the rescue helicopter,” says Peter.
“We like to let the wider ANZCO family know why we support what we do. It’s special to share stories and data from the rescue helicopter service to highlight to our people and suppliers how vital this service is, and the difference our support makes.”
ANZCO is also proud to be part of the transformation of the rescue helicopter service, which has taken a huge leap forward with the first of the new H145 helicopters now in service.
“We’ve been almost as excited as the crew to see the first of the new H145s in the air. It’s been a real privilege to be part of the journey to modernise the rescue helicopter service.”
The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has purchased three H145 helicopters to service the Canterbury West Coast region. The gold standard in air rescue, the H145’s advanced avionics and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability will enable the crew to fly more often in more adverse weather. A larger cabin provides more space to give critical care, tail and rear mounted cameras improve visibility, while a weather radar helps pilots avoid dangerous weather during flights.
“This is a major improvement for our rescue helicopter service, and we’ve seen first-hand the time, effort and investment that’s gone into making it happen.
“The rescue helicopter crew do a phenomenal job and we’re proud to be associated with that,” he says.
