Air Rescue Trust Update

The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, which ANZCO supports, ran a total of 1,151 missions in 2024 – an average of three missions every day, including public holidays.

Night vision goggles were needed on 20% of these missions and 10% of these missions needed a winch, helping the flight crews make rescues they couldn’t have done without this equipment. The crews have also undergone specialist training, and the Trust is looking to build more helipads around the South Island, to help manage weather-related barriers.

ANZCO’s support, along with the support of community groups and other organisations, means that the Air Rescue Trust can access equipment and services to provide their life-saving services.