Westpac Rescue Helicopter Named New Zealand’s Most Trusted Charity Brand Again in 2025
The Westpac Rescue Helicopters have once again been named New Zealand’s Most Trusted Charity Brand by Reader’s Digest in the 2025 Trusted Brands Awards, marking the second year in a row and the third time since 2018 the service has received this prestigious honour.
This recognition highlights the deep trust Kiwis place in the life-saving service, which operates 24/7, responding to some of the most challenging and time-critical emergencies.
In 2024, the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter alone undertook 765 missions, providing rapid-response rescue and medical support across the region. Of those missions:
- 42% accident related
- 23% medical emergencies
- 8% search and rescue operations
- 16% hospital transfers
- 10% other
Christine Prince, CEO of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, says the award is a tribute to the tireless dedication of crews, supporters, and the wider community.
“Being named New Zealand’s most trusted charity again in 2025 is a powerful acknowledgment of the life-saving work the crews do every day. It’s also a reflection of the incredible trust and support we receive from the public. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”
This recognition comes at a pivotal time for the Canterbury and West Coast service, as the charity and operator GCH Aviation prepare for the arrival of three H145 helicopters from Switzerland as part of MISSION 2026, a major fundraising and fleet upgrade initiative. The new aircraft will start to arrive from August 2025 and will boost mission capacity approximately 20% by their ability to fly in less optimal weather conditions. They will also give both crew and patients faster, quieter and more spacious flights ensuring that these trips are less arduous for everyone.
The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards are based on a nationwide survey of thousands of New Zealanders, recognising the brands and organisations that earn the highest levels of consumer confidence.
“Behind every mission is a community that believes in our work,” says Prince. “This award belongs to every donor, volunteer, and partner who helps power the Rescue Helicopter flights.”
