Our vision is that people across the vast and
rugged Canterbury and West Coast regions can live
their lives to the full, assured that if they have an
emergency, the rescue helicopter will be there to
look after them and their families.
The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has funded the life-saving Westpac Rescue Helicopters across Canterbury and the West Coast since 1989, working in partnership with GCH Aviation, the service operator.
The Canterbury and West Coast rescue helicopters cover the largest geographical area of any rescue helicopter service in New Zealand, watching over the lives of more than 730,000 people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why does the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust exist?
Many people assume rescue helicopters are fully funded by the government. They’re not. Community funding is what allows us to deliver the comprehensive care our communities expect and deserve.
Every year, we need to raise $6 million to support the operation of the service.
The primary roles of the Trust are:
- to raise funds to support the operation of the Rescue Helicopter Service, which is not fully government funded.
- to fund life-saving equipment and initiatives that will improve patient outcomes
- to ensure this service is sustainable
- to represent and advocate for the community in the Canterbury West Coast region.
