Find out how your donations have helped the service in the first half of 2025 in our Impact Report.

Download the pdf or view the flipbook below.

How a Gift in Your Will Can Support a Vital Service

The New Zealand Flying Doctor Service is a quiet achiever whose impact is primarily known to those who have needed it’s service.

This Wills Month, your support will ensure this vital service can continue to assist those who need it the most, ensuring they are in the right place for the right treatement – now and for generations to come.

“A gift in your will transforms today’s promise into tomorrow’s impact.”

Kathryn Marshall, Director of Fundraising

Gifts in wills are a quiet yet powerful way to support the causes you care about long after you’re gone. For charities, these bequests provide dependable, long-term funding that allows us to plan ahead; replacing aging equipment, training staff, and building the service. Legacy gifts can also underwrite major projects and strengthen the future of the service. A single gift in a will can change lives today and long into the future.

One of the simplest and most flexible ways to give is a residual gift, a percentage of what remains of your estate after providing for your loved ones and other commitments. Because it’s a share of the residue, a percentage amount adjusts automatically over time. It won’t reduce the assets you need in your lifetime or change how you live today. Residual gifts are easy to include in standard will wording and can be as small or as large as you choose. Even 1% can make a meaningful and significant impact.

Leaving a gift in your Will is a thoughtful and private choice. It allows you to care for those close to you while making a lasting contribution to your community. A brief conversation with your legal advisor can help clarify the wording and ensure your wishes are honoured.

Knowing you have made this decision is an act of generosity and care. Gifts like this bring donors quiet, profound comfort; a reassurance that the values and causes you care about will continue to matter, and that you have made a meaningful impact on others. It is a way to connect with something bigger than yourself, while enjoying the peace of mind that comes from planning for the future.

Once your gift is confirmed, you can choose to remain private or be publicly recognised in a way that feels right for you. Letting us know your intentions can allow for a private relationship – keeping you updated on the service, inviting you to milestone events, or simply ensuring your wishes are understood. Others prefer to remain anonymous, and both choices are equally respected and valued.

To learn more about supporting the service with a gift in your Will, please contact me, Kathryn Marshall:

Email: kathryn@nzflyingdoctors.co.nz
Phone: 03 662 9698
Post: PO Box 20-262, Bishopdale 8543
———————————-

• Only 55% of NZ adults have a will, and just 6% of wills include a charitable gift as part of the inheritances. Bequests account for just 1.3% of all charitable income in New Zealand, totalling an estimated $320 million annually.
• The 2025 JB Were report suggests that improving the rate and value of charitable bequests to a level of 3% could result in almost $2.5 billion annually in 20 years – an almost eight-fold increase from the current annual level ($320 million).

https://www.jbwere.co.nz/news-and-insights/the-bequest-report-2025

We’re pleased to welcome Josh Grice to the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service (NZFDS) team. Josh joins as one of our newest pilots, bringing enthusiasm, capability, and a strong sense of purpose to this critical role.

What attracted you to the NZ Flying Doctor Service?
“I have some good friends working within GCH Aviation who’ve always spoken very highly of the organisation and the people involved,” says Josh. “I was looking for the next challenge in my aviation career, and I can’t think of a better one than working under time-critical circumstances where the work we do can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

What are you most looking forward to in this role?
“Working as part of a close-knit team in a highly dynamic and professional environment,” he says. “And of course, flying the King Air.”

Getting to know Josh
Outside of work, Josh maintains a high level of physical fitness, a necessity given the demands of his role. “Staying fit is important to me and to the job, so I make exercise a regular part of my routine,” he says.

He’s also passionate about motorsports and enjoys spending time on or around the water when he’s off duty. “Waterskiing, wakeboarding, if it’s on the water, I’m in,” he says.

With a background in mathematics from school and a love for problem-solving, Josh brings both technical skill and calm under pressure to the air.

We’re delighted to have Josh as part of the team, and we look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make with the NZ Flying Doctor Service.

Aviation runs in the family for Winston, who has just joined the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service as a pilot.

For the last three years Winston has been based in Wanaka flying for Southern Alps Air. We’re delighted he’s chosen to move north and bring his skills and experience to the New Zealand Flying Doctor team.

What are you most looking forward to at the NZ Flying Doctor Service?

“I’m really excited by the variety of work at the Flying Doctor Service and to be within a strong, positive team environment with such a great crew,” says Winston. “It’s also pretty special that I can do what I love while helping people at the same time.”

Getting to know Winston

Aviation is a family affair for Winston – his dad is a helicopter pilot and his two brothers also work in the aviation industry. “I’ve always been a technical thinker; my favourite subject at school was mechanical engineering, where we had to design and build a go-kart. It involved problem-solving and critical thinking, which I think are real strengths being a pilot.”

When not flying, Winston loves anything that gets him into the outdoors, keeping physically and mentally fit. “I grew up on a sheep and beef station near the head of the Rakaia so I love heading back there or getting out jetboating,” Winston says. Water skiing, snow skiing and hunting are also favourite pastimes for Winston.

Welcome to the team Winston – we can’t wait to see the impact you will have on this life-changing and life-saving service.

A beautiful Fendalton garden was the setting for an extraordinary evening of generosity and community spirit as 180 guests gathered to support the New Zealand Flying Doctor, and specifically the safe transport of premature and critically ill newborns.

Hosted by the New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust, the Charity Garden Party raised an incredible $140,000 to help fund the purchase of two advanced neonatal transport incubators, with a total project cost of $1.2 million.

Against the backdrop of a stunning garden and live entertainment, guests enjoyed fine food, inspiring stories, and the thrill of live and silent auctions featuring exclusive experiences and luxury items. Thanks to ticket sales, sponsorships, raffles, and auction proceeds, the evening surpassed all expectations.

Why Incubators Matter

Transport incubators are essential for safely transferring vulnerable newborns to neonatal intensive care units. These new incubators will enable flight crews and medical teams to maintain optimal care during air transfers, improving outcomes for the most fragile patients.

“We are incredibly humbled by the generosity of our guests and sponsors,” said Christine Prince, CEO of the NZ Flying Doctor Trust. “These funds will directly impact the lives of fragile newborns, giving them the best possible chance at survival during emergency transfers.”

Guests had the opportunity to meet pilots and medical teams, and hear firsthand how neonatal transfers are managed by the service. It was a powerful reminder of the 24/7 work carried out by the New Zealand Flying Doctor team, which completed nearly 1,400 missions last year, an 8% increase from the previous year.

Trustee Cilla Glasson noted, “Many people don’t realise the NZ Flying Doctor Service operates as a mobile intensive care unit. Events like the Garden Party not only raise essential funds, they help raise awareness of the vital work being done across our region.”

Thank you

This incredible evening would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Special thanks to our event sponsors Canterbury Orthopaedic Services, St George’s Hospital, and RD Petroleum.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Garden Party, we look forward to sharing more milestones with you soon.

Find out how your donations have been helping the service in 2024

Our end of year function was well attended and a wonderful way to celebrate another successful year for the New Zealand Flying Doctor service. The dedicated crew flew 1366 missions throughout the length and breadth of the country in the year to the end of June 2024. This was a seven percent increase in flights over the past financial year.

A highlight for this year was the Trust funding many of the medical staff to attend the annual aeromedical conference, which was held in the Garden City, making it so accessible for all. This was a fabulous opportunity for collaboration and learning as hundreds in the field came together with the same goal, to provide a worldclass service and the best possible patient outcomes.

This Christmas occasion also celebrated the very generous gift of $500,000 from the J.I. Urquhart Family Trust in support of the service. With ever increasing need, we are very grateful to all those who help make a difference by donating. Thank you.

View the video of the NZ Flying Doctor Plane with the J.I. Urquhart Family Trust branding.

Pictured above, Peri Drysdale (ambassador and trustee), Dr David Bowie (Chair) and Greg Thompson (trustee).

Pictured below, Pilots Matt and Ryan update and thank the Trustees, Ambassadors and Donors for their work and generosity through the year.

Find out how your donations have been helping the service in 2024

Peri Drysdale MBE

What industry are you in: I’m in the fashion industry, we are a recognised global exemplar for sustainable fashion – we design, manufacture, market, retail and export.

What is your background: Way back I was a registered nurse, then I ran the Christchurch echocardiography unit when echocardiography was brand new worldwide.

What is your connection to the service and why have you chosen to become an Ambassador: I agreed to become an ambassador because it is a service with great need for support and saves precious lives.

What do you like to do to relax and bring yourself joy: I love being out in big nature, to curl up and read, beautiful music, most of all being with family.

What is the best advice you have received that helped you in life: Always look for the good in every moment. Keep a watch on your thoughts, what you think, you get.

We are thrilled to have Peri as an ambassador.

Did you know that in February 2022 Untouched World was named in the top 10 global sustainable fashion brands in the world, ahead of finalists Kering, (Gucci owner) and Stella McCartney who won last time? Also, in 2022 was awarded global runner up most ethical brand, by Marie Claire UK and in 2023 Untouched World was shortlisted for the Drapers sustainable fashion Brand of the Year.

A tee with a purpose!

These 100% organic cotton tees feature a design by 5-year-old, Rita, who received life-saving services from the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.

Head over to Untouched World to buy yours for $79.

What a special time for GCH Aviation, the NZ Flying Doctor Trust, Pilots, Nurses, and VIP guests in the Nelson region, to officially welcome and launch the newest plane in the New Zealand Flying Doctor fleet, NZFDT.

The Nelson sun shone as the plane taxied up the runway and through a dramatic water cannon welcome.

Archdeacon Emeritus Harvey Ruru QSM, supported by Tui Lister, performed a blessing and officially named her KAHURANGI. The name, chosen by Naomi Johnson, was the winner of the “Name the Plane” competition. Its meaning of ‘sky blue’ and ‘precious’ as well as the association with the local National Park, resonated with the service provider GCH Aviation, The NZ Flying Doctor team, and the Trust. We are all proud to have her in the fleet.

The Mayor, Honorable Dr Nick Smith, cut the ribbon and expressed how proud the region is to be an essential hub for the service.

We were privileged to have one of the service recipients attend to share his story with our guests. Rev. Mark Sullivan spoke eloquently about his experience with the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service after he was involved in a serious light plane crash, and how the care and attention of the crew helped him through such a difficult time.

Guests were treated to a behind the scenes look at the plane, enjoyed a celebratory glass of bubbles, shared exquisite canapes, and had the opportunity to talk to the pilots and nurses who are the mainstay of the service.

With more than 650 flights per year from the base, Kahurangi is a vital addition in the Nelson region, enabling us to offer the very best in patient care and health outcomes, not just for Nelson, but New Zealand-wide.

Thanks to

• Kudo Food Design Catering Specialists
• Wakatu
• Nelson Super Liquor
• Cognita

Find out how your donations have helped the service during 2023 in our Impact Report.

Enter the Name the Plane competition

Nelson’s health services will receive a boost with the launch of a $3 million air ambulance plane for the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service, based at Nelson Airport.

To the end of June 2023, the NZ flying Doctor service completed 1276 missions across NZ. Just over 50% of these missions were ex Nelson. This plane, the Beechcraft Super King Air B200 is the newest in NZs aeromedical fleet and offers a significant upgrade.

“This model of plane is ideal for aeromedical inter-hospital transfers and will be instrumental in getting patients in the Nelson / Marlborough area to the specialist or higher acuity care they need” explains base manager Ryan O’Rourke.

CEO of the NZFD Trust, Christine Prince states “we hope Nelsonians and top of the South Island locals will embrace this opportunity to name their plane. It will be permanently based in Nelson, on call to help the community when needed.” The lucky winner will be invited to the launch at Nelson Airport on 15 February. The ‘Name Nelson’s new Flying Doctor Plane’ is being run on the NZ Flying Doctor Service website (link) and people have until Friday 9 February to vote.

“With the service’s highly trained medical, nursing staff from Nelson Hospital and specialist equipment, patients can be transferred seamlessly to Christchurch or Wellington or further afield for advanced medical treatment.

Five specialist pilots are based in Nelson and the seven flight nurses are ICU staff from Nelson Hospital. The New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust contributes $2,500 to every mission – $3 million a year.

The Beechcraft Super King Air B200 can be equipped with two patient stretchers plus seating for up to four medical crew and patient support people, equipment and two pilots. The aircraft is a perfect fit as its performance and versatility allows the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service based in Nelson and Christchurch to operate efficiently around the country, including the remote Chatham Islands. It flies at 480km per hour and has a 1500 nautical mile range.

GCH Aviation, which operates the service, has a five-year plan to progressively upgrade its aircraft fleet making investment today to keep up with demand and introduce new technologies and plans to expand the fleet further.

Dr David Bowie, NZ Flying Doctor Trust Chairman, says this is a life-saving service, and the plane is set up as a flying intensive care unit. When time is of the essence and distance is an issue, the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service is the only option for many patients,”

Mark Sullivan has the service, and its sister ROA Mining Rescue helicopter service, to thank for saving him in Nelson last year, after a light plane crash in remote bush near Murchison left him clinging to life. The New Zealand Flying Doctor brought him back to Christchurch Hospital for the first of many surgeries. Eighteen months later, Mark is back at work as an Anglican Vicar in Christchurch. He now lives with eight pieces of titanium in his face and jaw and new front teeth, but shows only one small scar on his chin to tell the story. <read more about Mark’s story>

“At the time I didn’t appreciate how close I came to not surviving. No other organisation has had such a profound impact in my life and I feel that our part of the world is well served with such a professional and dedicated band of men and women. The air rescue and NZ Flying Doctor teams saved my life and I want to say a massive thanks,” Sullivan says.

Enter the Name the Plane competition

Make a donation to the service

The inaugural Garden Party was held in November, raising a stunning $150,000.

A huge thank you to Stephen and Lisa Parkinson, our hosts for the evening, along with Cilla Glasson and Charlotte Smith-Smulders who were instrumental in organising such an amazing event.

Everyone who attended had a fabulous evening, chatting & dancing all in aid of such a worthy cause.

With outstanding raffle and balloon prizes, out-of-this-world entertainment and the most divine food and drinks, the evening truly was one of a kind.

We would also like to thank our sponsors for the event
Platinum Sponsors: RD Petroleum, Canterbury Orthopaedic Services, St Georges Hospital
Gold Sponsors: Johnson & Johnson Medtech, SBS Bank

You can view a short video of the event on Facebook.

This type of event couldn’t be achieved without the support and collaboration of an amazing event company and we are always thrilled to work with Collective Concepts and Silk Estate Marquee Events & Weddings, we always know the result will be just fantastic.

Verve Real Food Catering provided the sumptuous food throughout the evening along with Two Thumb Brewing Co. and Scapegrace New Zealand Distilling Co. who supplied the drinks.

Find out how your donations have helped the service during 2022.

NZFD Impact Report Q1 Q2 2023_web

Find out how your donations have helped the service during 2022.

New Zealand Flying Doctor Impact Report 2022

Read more about David Cartwright’s bid to run the Marathon Des Sables in aide of the NZ Flying Doctor. David is a trustee of the NZ Flying Doctor Trust and we are incredibly proud of him attempting this incredible feat.

Running for the Flying Doctors | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)

Welcome to the last Newsletter of 2022. On behalf of the crew and staff and the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service, we wish you a safe and health summer break.