About the Air Rescue Service

The South Island of New Zealand is a unique place.
Rugged coastlines and vast rural landscapes to lush
forests and towering alpine peaks; it is an environment
that has few equals.

When things go wrong in these
environments, we are vulnerable and isolated.

Our Westpac Rescue Helicopters and crew provide a critical lifeline for our communities. From bases in Christchurch and Greymouth, the service watches over 730,000 people, keeping us safe day and night – from Kaikōura down to Waitaki and from Karamea to Haast.

See for yourself the life-saving difference

Rob was trapped in a sinking boat, his friend holding his head above the water.

Critical Care Paramedic Kath was winched down into the boat by Paramedic Winch Operator Wayne. The crew then worked together to save Rob’s life.

Watch as Rob and Kath share what was Kath’s most challenging rescue ever.

The Golden Hour

In trauma cases such as accidents and medical emergencies, getting emergency care treatment to a patient at the scene within 60 minutes of an accident or incident increases the patient’s chance of making a full recovery by over 80%. This is known as the Golden Hour and can mean the difference between life and death.