Your donation saves lives.
New Zealand’s flying intensive care unit.
The NZ Flying Doctor Service is a flying intensive care unit with highly trained medical staff and specialist equipment. Patients receive a seamless level of care from bed to bed. They operate 24/7 transfer services for critical care burn victims, spinal injury patients, neonatal transfers, trauma victims, surgery transfers, and blood and equipment supplies.
Our impact
The New Zealand Flying Doctor Service could not provide critical care patient services between hospitals without the generous support from our community.
Support the Service
Gifts in Wills
NZ Flying Doctor Service
Mission Types
There are a total of 22 experienced flight nurses who currently work in the Christchurch Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who are scheduled on a 24 hour roster as part of the Air ambulance Retrieval Team.
Patient Stories
A life-saving flight never forgotten
The day Ryan was rushed to Christchurch Hospital by the NZ Flying Doctor Service will be forever etched in his mum’s memory.
A gift in recognition of a seamless service
There are lots of words Allison Beckham uses to describe her brother Peter. Creative, mischievous, a real character, meticulous. He was also compassionate.
Two flights in six days for baby Blaire
When the RSV virus started circulating around the Westport community in September 2025, Lyndal Watson was worried.
Manvi’s urgent flight to NICU
Manvi never expected that, at 34 weeks, her pregnancy would take a turn for the worse.
Nacita and Baby Maitland
Having a baby at just 26 weeks gestation was not what Nacita planned, let alone having that baby in a different city. But that’s what happened.
Val’s missed step leads to flight for specialist care
Val doesn’t remember much about her accident, or the weeks after, but she remembers the comfort of the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.
Hundreds of kms offshore – but time is of the essence
When time is of the essence – but you’re hundreds of kilometres offshore
Penny Bee has been a flight midwife for 25 years, but a recent mission rattled her nerves a little as she says they were “flying into the unknown”.
Flying Fox Injury
Orson suffered multiple injuries in a flying fox accident at Quinney’s Bush Camp.
Willy’s Story
Willy was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma (a really rare cancer) when he was just 4.
The pilot – a man of faith and courage
Mark Sullivan is lucky to be alive. The pilot – a man of faith and courage – shares his story of rescue and recovery.
Felix’s First Flight
When Mum, Zowie, got a tummy ache at 29 weeks pregnant she certainly didn’t think that she’d be meeting her baby so soon. But, with no space in Christchurch Hospital a trip to Wellington was an unexpected journey for them first.
Virginia’s Story
After her lung spontaneously collapsed for the third time, Virginia needed treatment at Christchurch Hospital but couldn’t fly commercially because of her diagnosis. The New Zealand Flying Doctor Service was able to ensure that she was safe during her flight and got her operation.
Beuden’s Story
At 10 days old, little Beauden was rushed to Southland Hospital as he was vomiting bilious fluid and not thriving. Within 24 hours he had deteriorated even further to a critical point, and he needed to get to Christchurch Hospital as soon as possible. The New Zealand Flying Doctor plane was sent, and he arrived by 9pm to be rushed in for life saving bowel surgery. His final diagnosis was Malrotation and Volvulous, an abnormality of the bowel where the blood supply had been cut off.
The Byrne Family
After a medical incident at the wheel, the Byrne family narrowly avoided two head-on collisions and their car left the road at 127kms and then rolled six times across a paddock. By some miracle they were alive, and their fate was now in the hands of the Rescue Helicopter Service and New Zealand Flying Doctors.
Becka’s Story
Becka was 27 weeks pregnant when she started to feel unwell; at Greymouth Hospital she was diagnosed with swine flu. Becka was put in an induced coma prior to taking her to Christchurch Hospital, where she spent the next week.
Latest News
2025 Full Year Impact Report
Find out how your donations have helped the service in 2025 in our Impact Report.
Download the pdf by clicking above or view the flipbook below.
To enlarge the flip book, click on the three dots bottom right and select full screen.
Introducing Mark – NZ Flying Doctor Service Pilot
Meet Mark
Mark never had any doubt that his career would involve flying … he’s been obsessed with aviation since he was a child.
We talk to Mark about that childhood obsession and his job today as a pilot at the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.
When did you first know you wanted to fly?
I don’t know when it started, but I was really young. I remember drawing pictures of planes when I was about five years old. When I was at school if I heard a plane flying past, I’d just get up out of my chair and leave to look at it. Eventually the teachers gave up trying to stop me!
Tell us about your journey to join the NZ Flying Doctor Service.
I trained as a pilot at the Southland Aero Club before becoming an instructor at the Club. My first job as a commercial pilot was flying for Southern Air, flying hunters and trampers over to Stewart Island and back.
I then went to Air Nelson where I flew the Saab before coming down to Christchurch to fly the Dash-8 for Air New Zealand.
I loved the flying but wanted to spend more time at home with my family, and I’d always thought flying for the NZ Flying Doctor Service would be an awesome job. So, I started bugging the Service’s Operations Manager Arthur until a job became available.
What has been one of your most memorable flights for the NZ Flying Doctor Service?
I remember flying over to the West Coast to pick up a patient. When I saw the patient, I thought he looked familiar, but it took me a while to work out who it was. It turned out it was one of my teachers from primary school. When we arrived in Christchurch, I re-introduced myself to him and he remembered me and my family. That was pretty cool.
What is your favourite destination to fly to?
That would have to be the West Coast. It’s pretty isolated, the weather can be challenging, the runways are short, and the landing approaches are interesting, but the views we get as we fly over the main divide – just stunning.
When we land, we’re always welcomed so warmly. West Coasters rely on the NZ Flying Doctor planes and it’s a privilege to be part of a service that has such an impact on the community.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Spending time with my son – I’m currently trying to teach him to drive. I also love tinkering on cars. At the moment, I’m converting an auto car to a manual and am also building a rally car. It’s a fun hobby.
The complex nature of air retrieval
The day we rang Neil Davidson for a chat, he was in the middle of managing a tricky retrieval case.
“We have a complex patient who needs to be transferred from the West Coast to Christchurch. It’s a higher risk transfer so we’re working carefully with everyone involved to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
It’s these complex cases that land on Neil’s desk. Dr Neil Davidson is an Intensive Care Specialist. He has been involved with the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service for 16 years and has been the service’s Aeromedical Retrieval Specialist Clinical Lead for four years.
While an intensive care specialist and flight coordinator are on call 24/7 for the air retrieval service, Neil is called when there’s a trickier situation or one that involves coordinating a lot of moving parts.
“Often my role involves finding solutions to what can be complex situations. At the centre of it all is the needs of the patient. We look at their needs first and then make sure we have the right clinical skillset on each flight to meet those needs.
“It’s challenging but when we get it right, it’s really satisfying.”
This year, Neil has been working closely with the Neonatal Retrieval Team as they introduce the new transport incubators to the service. The incubators were funded by the New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust.
“I’m always humbled by everybody involved in the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service. The Trust, pilots, nursing staff, and the community – everybody’s passionate and dedicated. They just want to do the right thing for the patients and, as a result, they go the extra mile every day.”
One of those who Neil says always goes above and beyond is Arthur Ruddenklau, Operations Manager at the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.
“Arthur is brilliant. He’s got an amazing moral compass and is always heading in the right direction. He’s pragmatic, incredibly patient, and very patient focused.”
Looking to the future of the Service, Neil says demand will continue to be high.
“We’re lucky in Christchurch as we have a great relationship with the rescue helicopter team. If we get a time critical job we might refer it to the rescue helicopter crew, and if they get a case that requires specialist clinical intervention, they will give us a call. It’s great teamwork.”
Both the rescue helicopter service and the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service is based out of the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base – a fact Neil says supports that high level of collaboration.
“Everyone in air retrieval is passionate about their work and about helping people. It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a difference.”
Introducing Molly – NZ Flying Doctor Service Pilot
Meet Molly
It’s almost like Molly was destined to be a NZ Flying Doctor pilot – her mum was a nurse, her dad is a pilot, and she knew she wanted a job helping people.
We talk to Molly about flying planes, jumping out of them, and her next aviation challenge.
How long have you been flying?
My first flight was actually when I was about two weeks old in the back of my dad’s Cessna 185. We grew up flying in the backcountry, landing on strips and riverbeds. It was a great childhood.
I learnt to fly at the Marlborough Aero Club while working on the ground at Sounds Air, checking people in and loading baggage.
After getting my Commercial Pilot License I flew skydiving planes in Ashburton and Mount Cook. It was while doing an instrument rating that I met a pilot for the NZ Flying Doctor Service. I thought it sounded like such an interesting job for a great cause, so I applied to work here. I’ve now been flying the King Air for the NZ Flying Doctor Service for just over three years.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I love helping people, it’s a big part of who I am. Mum was a nurse and, to be honest, they’re the real heroes. It’s really interesting seeing the work the flight nurses and medical teams do to support the patients on the plane. We’re just up the front flying.
What’s the most challenging part of the job?
While there’s a level of excitement not knowing what each day will bring, it can be a bit of a challenge staying ready to go throughout the day. When we get a job we immediately start researching our location, especially if it’s somewhere we don’t go as often. We read up on runways, approaches, hazards we need to know about – stuff like that. We have some great resources with all that information at hand, which is awesome because obviously time is of the essence.
When you’re not working what do you get up to?
I’ve just started learning to fly helicopters. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – it’s nice to have a fresh challenge. I also like paragliding, skydiving and things like that. It’s just another form of being in the air! I’ve done about 480 jumps so far. Aside from that, I love spending time with family and friends or being in the garden.
Introducing Scott – NZ Flying Doctor Service Pilot
Scott was working in sales and marketing when a recreational flight sparked a “lightbulb” moment that ignited his aviation career.
Today, Scott is a captain for the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service. We chat to him about his career and what he loves about the job.
How did you get started in aviation?
I was in my mid-twenties and started flying recreationally at the North Shore Aero Club. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment and realised flying was the career for me. I moved home and started my commercial licence at the Canterbury Aero Club.
I have flown throughout New Zealand with aerial photographers, worked for a New Zealand company undertaking aerial surveying work across India and Canada and was also a flight instructor at the Canterbury Aero Club. Then I saw the job at the NZ Flying Doctor Service.
What do you love about flying for the NZ Flying Doctor Service?
I love the variation in the flying we do and the fact that we don’t know where we’re going when we turn up for work each day. For those patients who are well enough, I also love connecting with them and hearing their stories.
From an aviation perspective, this role has been a great opportunity to fly the King Air in both the co-pilot and now the captain’s seat.
What’s your favourite flight?
It has to be flying over the Southern Alps to the West Coast. It’s such a beautiful flight, especially in winter when you have clear skies and can see all the way down to Mt Cook.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I love hanging out with my family, running, and I’m a bit of a car fan – whether it’s watching motorsport or tinkering around on cars, I love it.
Our community steps up for our tiniest patients
The community is being celebrated for supporting the purchase of two state-of-the-art transport incubators in a major advancement in neonatal transport.
The NXTGen incubators were purchased thanks to support from Air Rescue and Community Services, the J.I. Urquhart Family Trust, St Vianney’s Timaru Trust and generous donations from the NZ Flying Doctor Trust Garden Party.
The incubators will be used on the New Zealand Flying Doctor fixed wing planes and on the rescue helicopter service.
“Moving the sickest and smallest babies around the country is as challenging as medicine can get. Having the newest and most advanced equipment to provide life support to these babies truly saves lives and improves outcomes to the most precious patients.”
Dr Ruth Sinclair, Neonatal Paediatrician and transport lead for the Christchurch Neonatal Unit
One of the incubators recently underwent testing at the air ambulance base. Specialists needed to finalise details of the bespoke mounting and transportation systems being developed for the incubator.
“It was wonderful to see first-hand how, thanks to our community’s support, we are ensuring our most fragile travellers receive the very best care possible while in the air,” says Christine Prince, CEO of the New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust.
The New Zealand Flying Doctor service has completed 704 flights between January and June 2025.
St Vianney’s Timaru Trust Chair Dale Walden says the impact of the New Zealand Flying Doctor and rescue helicopter service is immense.
“Many people are not aware that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the rescue helicopter service and the New Zealand Flying Doctor service is on call for patients who need immediate and critical air transport. We are proud to be supporting the Service’s youngest patients by helping fund the purchase of this high-tech transport incubator.”
Dale Walden, Chair St Vianney’s Timaru Trust
Dr Ruth Sinclair says the new NXTGen transport incubators are an improvement on the incubators currently in use. They boast a specialist configuration to enable use in the air and have a range of advanced features including smart thermoregulation, built-in ventilators, heated mattresses and extended battery life.
“These new incubators reflect the great advances that have been made in neonatal transport over the past decade. The biggest improvement is the new ventilator that can synchronize better with babies and provide tidal volumes as low as 2 ml for effective, safe, and lung‑protective ventilation.”
“This is a game changer when moving the smallest and most preterm babies.”
As well as being substantially lighter, the design of the new incubator enables increased access to the baby, the new pumps have improved safety features, and phototherapy can be given.
The New Zealand Flying Doctor and rescue helicopter services are responsible for moving the most extreme preterm infants and those who are critically unwell to specialist care at Christchurch Hospital or, if required, to Starship in Auckland. The service also supports the babies on their journeys back to their home hospital.
The final commissioning of the incubators is currently underway, with the incubators expected to be in service in the coming months.
2025 Impact Report January – June
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.
The Impact of Bequests
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
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- 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
Introducing Josh – NZ Flying Doctor Service Pilot
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.
Introducing Winston – NZ Flying Doctor Service Pilot
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.
Garden Party Raises Over $140,000 for Lifesaving Neonatal Incubators
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.
NZ Flying Doctor Impact Report 2024
Find out how your donations have been helping the service in 2024
Christmas Function
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.
NZ Flying Doctor Impact Report Q1 & Q2 2024
Find out how your donations have been helping the service in 2024
Peri Drysdale – Ambassador
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.
Untouched World Charity Tee
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.
Plane Launch
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
2023 Full Year Impact Report
Find out how your donations have helped the service during 2023 in our Impact Report.
Name the new plane added to the fleet
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.
The Garden Party
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.
NZ Flying Doctor Impact Report Q1 & Q2 2023
Find out how your donations have helped the service during 2022.
NZ Flying Doctor Impact Report 2022
Find out how your donations have helped the service during 2022.
David Cartwright running the Marathon des Sables
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)
December 2022 Newsletter
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.
Our Crew
Pilot
In addition to all the flight details the pilots pay mind to, they ensure patients are safe and comfortable. This might mean an extra-soft landing for a patient with a spinal injury or maintaining stable air pressure for someone with a brain injury.
Flight Doctor
Specialist doctors can be drawn from the Christchurch Hospital ICU Department to provide timely emergency care as required.
Intensive Care Flight Nurse
The flight nurses and doctors from Te Whatu Ora require specialist aero-medical training – to be a member of this team requires significant skill and experience. They ensure patients receive the highest level of care from bed to bed.