Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter

29/07/2026

❤️ What an incredible community we have. Thank you, Nelson Tasman & Marlborough! ❤️

We’re absolutely blown away by the generosity shown during this year’s Westpac Chopper Appeal.

Together, our amazing community raised an incredible $51,877 to support the Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter. That’s an outstanding achievement, and every dollar will stay right here in our region to help keep this lifesaving service flying when it’s needed most.

Whether you dropped some change into a bucket, attended a fundraiser, bought a pocket hug, made a donation, or simply helped spread the word, you played a part in making this possible.

From the team at Westpac Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough, thank you for getting behind such an essential service. We’re incredibly proud to support the rescue helicopter and even prouder to be part of a community that always shows up when it matters most.

27/07/2026

❤️ THANK YOU, NEW ZEALAND! ❤️

We’re incredibly humbled to share that together, our Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough community raised an amazing $51,877 during this year’s Westpac Chopper Appeal! 🚁💛 This contribution forms part of a record-breaking $1.78 million raised across New Zealand to help keep rescue helicopters flying when they’re needed most.

Every bucket donation, quiz night, bake sale, fundraiser, bike ride, community event and act of generosity has helped make this possible. Every single dollar helps fund essential equipment, training and the lifesaving missions our crew carry out every day.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, organised an event, supported a fundraiser, or simply helped spread the word — thank you. You are an essential part of our rescue helicopter family.

Together, we really do make the helicopter ❤️🚁

27/07/2026

Some stories stay with you forever.

Come with us as we catch up with Martin, a visual journalist who has seen the work of the Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter up close. Through his lens, he’s captured some of the region’s most powerful rescue stories and witnessed firsthand the incredible skill, dedication and compassion of our crew.

His perspective is a powerful reminder of why this service matters and why your support is so important.

Every mission is only possible because of our community. Help us continue to be there when people need us most by helping us Fund the Gap.

💙 Donate today: helirescue.co.nz/fundthegap/

20/07/2026

🚁 Come behind the scenes with us as Jon introduces an incredible new piece of life-saving equipment now onboard the Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter – the ZOLL Defibrillator.

In this video, Jon explains why this advanced equipment is such an important addition to the helicopter and how it will help our crew provide the very best care to patients when every second counts.

A huge thank you to Air Rescue & Community Services for funding this vital piece of equipment. Their generosity is helping ensure our crew has access to this technology to give patients the best possible chance when they’re needed most.

Watch the video to learn more about how this new equipment will make a real difference across our region. 💙🚁

19/07/2026

Same mission. Different decade.

These photos show how far your rescue helicopter has come, from the early days in the 90's of winch rescues to the aircraft, crew and technology supporting the region today.

The helicopters have changed. The purpose has not.

For 35 years, community support has helped keep this service ready for Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

As we look back, we’d love to hear from anyone who was part of the journey. Crew, volunteers, supporters, families, or anyone with old photos and memories, please share them in the comments or send us a message.

Help us Fund the Gap:

helirescue.co.nz/donate

19/07/2026

Nice to see the community appreciating our valuable service.
Thank you everyone for all your support 🥰🚁

17/07/2026

🚁 Why do businesses like Tasman Pine choose to support the Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter? Because they know the difference this service makes when every second counts.

Join us as we catch up with Steve Chandler from Tasman Pine as he shares why supporting the Rescue Helicopter is so important to him and his team. 💛

Our crew is here for the community 24/7, but we can’t do it without the incredible support of local businesses and individuals who help us keep flying.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is the perfect time. Your support helps us continue providing this lifesaving service for our region, today and for generations to come.

Visit our website to learn how you can help us Fund the Gap.

16/07/2026

A look back to 1996.

This photo captures the early days of rescue work in our region, with the helicopter overhead, the crew on the ground, and help reaching a place where road access was not simple.

The aircraft, gear and technology have changed over the years.

The mission has not.

For 35 years, community support has helped keep your rescue helicopter ready for moments like this. Every donation helps us Fund the Gap, support training, maintain equipment and keep the service ready when it is needed most.

Were you part of these early rescue days? Crew, volunteers, supporters, families, we’d love to hear your memories.

Share your story in the comments or send us a message.

Help us fund the gap and donate now:

helirescue.co.nz/donate

16/07/2026

Congratulations Jodi and Ella, what a beast!
The Sixtus family totally smashed the fundraising target once again, thank you Paula, Richard, Jamie and everyone involved in this incredibly successful community event held biannually at the River Inn Hotel.
Your unwavering support is truly appreciated!  We are incredibly humbled to be able to support the Golden Bay community with our essential service. The Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter service exists because of this ongoing support across the region we have served for 35 years. 🥰🚁🙏🏻

Moonlight hunt targets smashed again

16/07/2026

What an incredible example of teamwork, dedication and community spirit.

A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers from Marlborough Search & Rescue, along with everyone involved in this challenging rescue. Your commitment to training, teamwork and being there when it matters most helps ensure people receive the care they need, no matter the conditions.

Congratulations also on your well-deserved Marlborough Volunteer Award – a fitting recognition of the countless hours you give to keeping our communities safe. We are proud to work alongside such an exceptional team.