Zack is a West Coast local, an infantry soldier in the NZ Army Reserve Force, and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedic. We find out more about his Zack, his path to becoming a paramedic, and what he loves about working on the West Coast rescue helicopter.
Tell us about your journey to become a paramedic.
I’ve been involved in emergency first response since my days at Buller High School, when I was a member of the Westport volunteer fire brigade. Through responding to medical calls, I was exposed to the ambulance world, and I thought it looked interesting.
I started volunteering for Hato Hone St John as a first responder, then EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). I then completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) through Whitireia in Wellington while working full time. I’ve been a paramedic for three years on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
What’s your favourite part of working on the West Coast Westpac Rescue Helicopter (previously known as the ROA Mining Rescue Helicopter)?
Definitely the winch rescues. I am a winch operator, which means I stay in the helicopter and guide the Critical Care Paramedic down the wire. It can be tricky, especially in higher winches more than 100 feet off the ground. You need to work hard to see below you and there can be quite a delay between the movement and direction of the helicopter and what’s happening on the ground. You have to be situationally aware when guiding the pilot. You also need really good communication as a crew. We maintain good communications, even in lower acuity jobs, so it’s not such a big change when you’re under the pump.
What’s one of your most memorable jobs?
I have heaps of memorable jobs, but there was a job back in 2023 when we rescued a lost tramper that really sticks out. The tramper had set off from Murchison and was in an area called The Boneyards, near the Old Ghost Road. He’d gone off the track and had become disorientated and so he set off his personal locator beacon. It had been raining and it’s easy to get lost up there.
We had to fly right up to the top of the ranges to get him and there were boulders the size of houses. It was pretty epic flying into that job; it was just so scenic. After locating the tramper, I lowered Critical Care Paramedic Rod down to him. While he wasn’t injured, he was cold, miserable and was heading for trouble. He was also stoked to see us.
What’s the hardest part about working on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter?
It’s a big mental load. It’s like when you’ve got too many tabs open in a web browser and you’re trying to flick between so many tasks and stay organised – that’s one way to describe it. There are some jobs when there’s just a lot going on; you’ll be working with the pilot, other emergency services, managing a sick patient and the weather’s coming in. You’ve got to be organised and always be thinking a few steps ahead.
You’ve recently joined the New Zealand Army Ngāti Tūmatauenga as an infantry soldier in the Reserve Force. What drove that decision?
I was born in Greymouth and grew up in Westport; it’s a pretty special place, but it’s accident prone with flooding and earthquakes. Our community could easily become isolated, especially down in South Westland.
Being on the Reserve Force was something I always wanted to do to give back to my community. Initially I thought I would have to be based in Christchurch to join, but I spoke to a family friend who serves, and he said it would be possible.
I completed the training at the end of 2025 and graduated just before Christmas.
What special skills do you need to join the Reserve Force?
You don’t need any specific skills; you just need to be keen and willing. It’s definitely a challenge to do the basic training. If you’re not used to being outside and being uncomfortable, it might come as a bit of a shock. But if you’ve got the right mindset, anyone can do it – and I encourage them to. We’re trying to boost numbers and capability on the West Coast particularly.
Back to your role on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, how do you keep yourself mentally prepared for the job?
I enjoy my days off and I’m always doing something. It sounds strange, but I love splitting firewood. I also love hunting and hiking. The other day I walked the 55 km Paparoa Track in a day – it was quite a walk, but I got to the Punakaiki Tavern before it shut, so I was happy!
The West Coast is soon going to get its first dedicated H145 rescue helicopter. Is the West Coast crew looking forward to it?
Absolutely! We’re so keen to get that machine over here. All the advanced technology, the Instrument Flight Rules capability, and the state-of-the-art avionics will be amazing for our community. The clinical layout of the H145 will also be far more fit for purpose, and I can’t wait for the extra space and headroom. I might even be able to stretch out a little when we’re in the back!
