Transformational funding for a Wellington institution.

Life Flight Crewman, Julian Burn operates a winch on the Westpac Rescue Chopper.

Supporting life-saving work 

Pre-dating the Majestic Centre, Te Papa Tongarewa and the famous Hollywood-like 'Wellington’ sign just adjacent, Life Flight, and its iconic red Westpac Rescue Chopper, have truly become a Wellington institution. 

Established in 1975, Life Flight, which was then known as Capital Helicopters, was the brainchild of the late Peter Button OBE QGM, a flying enthusiast who grew up next to Wellington Airport. He had observed the tragic sinking of TEV Wahine off Barrett's Reef a few years prior and had thought "there has to be a better way".  

Almost 50 years on, Life Flight has completed over 40,000 missions nationwide, helping the community access the urgent medical care they need when there are minutes to spare. 

Heartwarming work 

In the field they are in, the fifty-plus Life Flight team certainly have their share of hard days. But it is saving lives and hearing from patients they have helped that makes all their hard mahi worth it, says Life Flight Head of Fundraising, Sebastian Grodd.  

"The biggest pleasure is knowing that people we've helped have gone on to lead fulfilling lives and have got back to their families and friends. It's heartwarming to keep in touch." 

Life Flight’s Westpac Rescue Chopper. Image Credit: Lindsay Keats

Aiding rapid response 

From the calm atmosphere and array of friendly smiles at Life Flight's Lyall Bay HQ, you would never know that at any second, an emergency call could ring out across the hangar, signalling a burst of activity and the start of a new, potentially life-saving mission. "It is our goal to take off within 10-minutes of receiving an emergency call," says Life Flight Crewman, Julian Burn, "but we are currently averaging about 8-minutes during the day."  

Life Flight's trailer, a sturdy former wool bale trolley, plays an important role in enabling safe and efficient journeys. Most crucially, the trailer allows the chopper to be started in the hangar and then safely towed out onto the runway when wind speeds are high. 

"There are many benefits to being based in Wellington,” says Julian, "we're central to almost all areas of New Zealand and close to Wellington Hospital's amazing neonatal unit – but one downside is the weather conditions. The trailer helps immensely with safe take-offs." 

Game-changing fund 

With the trailer entering its 50th year of service, the Life Flight Trust sought funding to invest in an upgrade. Its replacement is a lighter and wider custom-designed metal version, which will give mechanics more room to move and make landings even safer.

Nikau Foundation was delighted to support, providing a $3700 grant from the Zac Pearson Fund.  

To find out more about Life Flight's incredible mahi, click here.