Auckland and Northland have received a brand-new air ambulance helicopter to improve emergency medical care.
The helicopter was unveiled by Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and ACC Minister Scott Simpson at the Northern Rescue base in Ardmore. This is part of a national plan to upgrade rescue helicopters across New Zealand.
The new aircraft is a Leonardo AW169, known for its high safety standards, strong performance, and better medical equipment. These features make it especially useful for flying in bad weather or reaching remote places.
This is the third helicopter added through the Emergency Air Ambulance Helicopter Service renewal programme. The programme, supported by Health NZ and ACC, aims to replace older helicopters in several regions, including Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Wellington, by 2025.
Minister Costello called the helicopter a “major advancement” for health services in the area. Minister Simpson added that air ambulances are vital for quickly helping people in serious medical emergencies, especially in small towns and countryside areas.
This helicopter is also the first to be bought using a special ACC financing method that saves about $500,000 each year. The next new helicopter for the Auckland/Northland region is expected to be ready in July 2025.
