Our Team

Murray has had extensive experience in a wide range of organisations.

His experience includes:
Public Accountant in NZ and UK for KPMG. Vice President in bank and finance for Citigroup in Canada, Mexico and USA. CEO of Rural Banking, Finance Corporation of New Zealand. CEO of Brierly Investments Ltd. New Zealand CEO of Skellerup Group Ltd. Private Investor for a diverse group of businesses.

Murray has also been on the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Board of Trustees since 1990.  

Michelle Boag is a partner in Strategic Communications Consultancy Boag Allan Pirie, based in Auckland.

Michelle has had a high profile career in public relations and politics,  along with extensive involvement with a wide range of community, voluntary and professional associations. Her thirty-five year career includes working in Parliament for three National Party Leaders, managing public relations consultancies in Auckland and Wellington and senior management positions in the merchant banking and corporate world.

The other Boards and Trusts on which Michelle has served as a Director Eden Park Trust (current), Auckland Cricket Association, Manu Samoa Rugby Ltd, Television New Zealand, Advertising Standards Complaints Board and Auckland Surf Lifesaving Association. Michelle is also a former President of the NZ National Party and of the Variety Club of New Zealand.

Ken is a self-employed retired Accountant, married with three married children and six grandchildren. 

Ken served as an Auckland City councillor for the Hobson Ward from 2007 to 2010, where he was Chairman of the Transport Committee of the Auckland City Council. 

Ken has been an elected member of the Orakei Local Board of Auckland Council from 2011 to 2016, and a Trustee of the Eden Park Trust Board from 2012.  He was chairman of the Auckland Rugby Football Union Board of Directors from 2001 to 2010, is a Life Member of Auckland Rugby Union and a Life Trustee for the Halberg Trust.

Craig has been involved in the health sector in New Zealand over the past 25 years, in particular A&E medicine and pathology services. Craig was previously CEO of Labtests, New Zealand’s largest pathology laboratory, and has held senior management roles including: CEO of the White Cross Accident and Medical Group, GM of Southern Community Laboratories and CEO of Corporate Cabs.

Craig is currently the CEO of Transaction Services Group.

Sir John Kirwan, or “JK” as he’s widely known, is a former All Black and Rugby World Cup Winner. His tireless efforts to raise awareness for Mental Health are well recognised, and we are thrilled to have JK championing the work of the Auckland & Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters.

“I enjoy getting behind a service that anyone in our Auckland & Coromandel communities might need one day,” JK says, “including me.”

Greg Barrow comes from an extensive history in aviation as a pilot in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

He has been Chief Executive Officer of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust since 2013.

Roger joined ARHT in July 2014, having previously worked with Westpac Rescue helicopter from 2000 – 2005

Roger has flown extensively in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia from cattle/buffalo mustering, marine pilot transfers, charter and oil rig support. Roger has over 10 years experience in Flight operations for EMS, Charter and Police operations.

His interests include sailing, traveling, cooking and enjoying a good red wine with his wife Sharon, as well as being a father of two daughters, Zoe and Emily.

Chris joined the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust in September 2011 to serve as the inaugural Auckland Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Medical Director. He says it is a privilege to work with our ARHT team to develop a clinical service at the vanguard of early, safe, optimal patient care.

Prior to moving to New Zealand, Chris worked in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as an academic Emergency Physician, Trauma Team Leader, Transport Medicine Physician and Urban Search and Rescue Team Doctor.

Chris also works as a Senior Medical Officer in Emergency Medicine at the Auckland City Hospital, and as a Clinical Team Leader for the New Zealand Medical Assistance Team. Chris and his family are grateful to live in the beautiful region of Auckland.

Tony joined ARHT in 2011 as one of the HEMS doctors. He is also an Intensive Care Medicine Specialist at Auckland City Hospital and is the Medical Director for St John Ambulance in New Zealand.

Tony has been with the HEMS team since it began and is very passionate about improving emergency care to people throughout New Zealand.

Married with two adult daughters, Tony is keen on cycling, fishing and gardening during the few periods he is not at work.

Tinny joined ARHT in 2004 as a Crewman. Prior to this he served with the NZ Airforce for 14 years, conducting operations in various theatres.

On his days off, Tinny enjoys the outdoors, especially fishing with his daughter, Charlea.

John (or Hoops as he is known by) heads the marketing and fundraising departments of the Trust and is responsible for raising the revenue required to maintain its essential rescue service.

Since joining the Trust in 1996, John has developed a corporate and community fundraising programme that has enabled ARHT to purchase and operate its own purpose-built BK117 B2 helicopters. He also builds and manages the VIP and sponsor partnerships. John has worked in the non-profit sector for over 25 years, managing fundraising projects for several air rescue trusts, The Royal N.Z. Plunket Society, New Zealand Police Association and many others.

Jeff joined the Trust in early 1997 as the Database Coordinator.

His involvement over the years with the development and administration of systems and fundraising projects has seen him progress to his current role of  I.T. Manager.

Greg served in the NZ Army in Vietnam, 161 battery 1970-1971. He joined Red Beach Surf Club in 1979, gaining surf medallion and first aid and acting as powercraft officer and surf boat crewman.

In 1983 Greg joined the Helicopter Rescue Squad as a crewman. He then qualified as a NZUA Diver and Crewman instructor and in 1986 was Helicopter Crewman of the year.

In 1991 Greg joined the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust as a fulltime Helicopter Rescue crewman instructor, HUET instructor and Sea Survival Instructor and become Crew Chief in 1992.

In 2000, after 17 years at the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Greg was appointed Helicopter Manager. Greg also has qualifications as instructor in Winch Training, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training and maintaining helicopter crews training standards. Greg is also a qualified Motor Mechanic.

Karl joined the Trust in 2011, having worked as a St John paramedic for some 12 years. Since joining the Trust, Karl has received winch training and was serving in the unique role of Crewman/Intensive Care Paramedic before being appointed to Chief Paramedic in 2016.

Karl enjoys the social aspect of his job helping people. He is proud to be working for an organisation that’s dedicated to saving lives.

Karl’s wife Emma is also an intensive care paramedic and currently works part-time as a clinical coach.  Outside of work, a lot of the couple’s free time revolves around their children. Karl also enjoys fishing, tramping, and living a healthy lifestyle.

James initially worked as an engineer on nuclear submarines in the Royal Navy before retraining as a navy helicopter pilot. After nearly 30 years flying a variety of military aircraft for the British and New Zealand navies, he moved to the civilian EMS world initially flying the Sikorsky S76 before joining ARHT in 2015.

In his spare time, James likes to ride his motorbike (carefully). In the winter he enjoys skiing and during the warmer weather spending time on the water, fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking.

Rob joined ARHT in 2010, after 13 years in the NZ Air Force flying helicopters throughout NZ, East Timor, New Caledonia and Fiji.

Military flying had many exciting moments for him, but the most rewarding were the infrequent medical / SAR jobs, which he gets to do daily at ARHT.

When the sun is shining, Rob is able to watch a lot of what the clinicians do for the patients – the complexity of the scenes that they’re working within while keeping a sharp mind and remaining compassionate is something he finds awe inspiring. When the weather is bad, he feels fortunate to have generous supporters which allow the crew to maintain the ability to fly through the weather on instruments only, a capability he is very passionate about. Rob says the only downside of the job is getting around the region so quickly by chopper, only to then get in your car and slowly crawl through the traffic afterwards!

Paul joined ARHT in 2011.  He has a background in EMS, flying an S76 in Northland and working on Police operations around Auckland.  He is a Flight Instructor, NVG Instructor and one of our ARHT Flight Examiners. 

Paul looks after the Training Department, which involves making sure everyone is up to speed – a task he says is made easier by the high calibre of our crew! He enjoys the challenge of the job and considers it a privilege to work at ARHT.

Paul is happily married with twin teenage daughters. He enjoys time off when he can get it.

Johnny joined ARHT from the Royal New Zealand Navy, where he flew and instructed on the Seasprite. The highlight of his military career was anti-piracy and counter-narcotic operations off the Horn of Africa and Somalia when on exchange with the Royal Navy flying the Lynx.

New to EMS, Johnny enjoys the real difference each mission can make to our patients.  Outside work, he enjoys racket sports, the TV programme 'Suits', and hanging out with his family.

Rob has been employed with ARHT since 2009.

He has flown in Auckland and overseas, including Canada and the Arctic tundra, as well as Fiji.

He enjoys spending his spare time with his wife and young boy.

Russell is from across the ditch and has flown a variety of commercial operations in Australia.

In 2011 he saw the light and jumped to NZ, flying EMS on the S76 for another operation. Russell joined the Westpac Rescue team in 2015. 

Bruce is enjoying being back with ARHT in 2018 and working with some familiar faces. He first joined ARHT as a pilot in September 2011 to June 2014 and has spent some time flying for the Northland Emergency Services Trust as well.  

When not working for ARHT, Bruce continues to fly marine pilot transfers in Australia, piloting an AW109 chopper. He does this in 21-day cycles. He says it’s the freedom and variety of the roles which he enjoys most. “Not knowing what’s going to happen each day, keeps my role with ARHT really interesting,” Bruce says.

When not juggling work commitments, Bruce enjoys spending time with his partner and three sons. A keen dirt biker, jet skier and fisherman, he says it’s his active kids that keep him young.

Casey joined ARHT in May 2016, after seven years at St John Ambulance. Ten years prior to that he was leading white water expedition rafting trips internationally.

Casey enjoys the challenge of combining rescue and pre-hospital medicine. On his days off he loves spending time with his two sons and his wife at the beach or in the caravan. Other interests include making furniture, beekeeping and surfing.

Rusty has worked at the ARHT for the last four years, and been an Intensive Care Paramedic for 11 years.

He loves the challenges and rewarding nature of the pre-hospital environment.

Rusty enjoys spending his spare time with his soulmate, Kateshe, and their two boys. 

Marcel’s connection with the ARHT began in the mid 1990’s on a casual / informal basis well before full-time medical crewing. Since the early 2000's he has worked in a more permanent role for the Trust.

Marcel's background is with St John initially as a volunteer in Tairua and then eventually as an Intensive Care Paramedic in Auckland in the mid 1990's. For Marcel, the never knowing - where, when and what the challenges of the job will be on a daily basis (from helping to deliver a baby in the helicopter to providing lifesaving treatment for a car crash or medical patient or rescuing a tramper out of the bush) is what he thrives on. The camaraderie between the crews and working within high pressure environments also add to his satisfaction of helping others out in their time of need.

As a ‘Westie’, Marcel enjoys the various opportunities that the Waitakere bush and West Coast beaches offer.

Russell joined ARHT in 2009.

He previously worked in the New Zealand Air Force, where he served as a paramedic for 20 years.
 

Ross has worked in the ambulance service for 14 years and for ARHT for 4 years. He loves working in this industry and says that combining medicine with rescue work is what makes this people-centred job so fantastic.

Rob has been an ambulance Paramedic for 18 years and has been flying in EMS helicopters for the last 10 years.

He has been serving the greater Auckland region with the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust for the past 7 years and says the most rewarding part of his career is putting the patient first and engaging in continual innovation.

'Deacs' has been on the ARHT team since 1997 and worked as an ambulance officer for St John beforehand.

Chris was recognised in June 2012 as having completed 2,000 rescue missions.

Stefan has a lifesaving background, joining Karekare Surf Lifesaving club when he was 15. Before joining the 'crazy ARHT crew' he was employed by St John Ambulance Service as an Intensive Care Paramedic. This role he held for almost 20 years, where he performed a variety of duties.

Stefan has been a part of the ARHT team for eight years now, five as a part-time Intensive Care paramedic and three juggling that with his other role as Clinical Educator.

He is married with two young kids who keep him busy. When he is allowed out he loves to go fishing.

Ati joined ARHT in 2010 employed as a casual Crewman. He became full time in 2012. Previous to that he worked for 23 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy as a Helicopter Crewman Instructor.

Ati enjoys all sports, music, fishing and camping and most of his spare time is taken up by coaching kids sports and keeping up with a busy lifestyle.

Ati says the best part about his job is meeting up with past patients he has rescued and answering their questions about what happened on the day.

Aaron joined ARHT in 2015. He has always had a huge passion for flying from a young age. He gained his CPL(H) in 2008,  completed CPL(A) in 2015 and has a single pilot IFR rating.

Aaron has flown helicopters in far north Queensland Australia in the Torres Straits, on extensive over water operations and flown out of a remote community in northern BC Canada, on Oil and Gas support, as well as wild animal tracking and recovery.

Simon joined ARHT in April 2016 as a Crewman/Co-Pilot. Before this, he spent the last four years as a helicopter pilot in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, predominantly conducting a variety of land management tasks, including aerial prescribed burning, firefighting, feral animal control and flora surveys.

Simon’s goal was always to become an EMS helicopter pilot and he enjoys the combination of the practical and procedural aspect of the role. Outside work, he enjoys bush and beach walks with his wife. Sophie, and cruising on his motorbike.

Winnie started working on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter as a volunteer back in 1986. He became a fulltime crewman in 1994 and is one of our most long-standing staff members.

He has participated in over 2,000 rescue missions and was recognised for this achievement in 2009. 

Winnie has been a keen surfer for many years and is a member of the Muriwai surf club. 

Richard joined ARHT in 2012 as crewman/co-pilot. With a background in sailing, originally qualified as a Naval Architect and having worked as a captain of super yachts for over 10 years, aviation arrived later in life.

Working a part of a small dedicated team is certainly the highlight of his role with the rescue helicopter, and being involved across both the medical and aviation disciplines keeps the job exciting.

Having grown up on an Air Force base, surrounded by military aircraft, it was Vasya’s lifelong dream to become a pilot. He fulfilled this dream aged 22 and has been flying for over a decade, working in a variety of settings. This has included medical evacuation missions, aerial photography, filming and anti-poaching work. His work has taken him from the plains of Africa to the sub-freezing temperatures of Canada’s Arctic Circle.
 
A near-fatal car accident when he was 19 placed him in a critical condition and in need of an emergency rescue flight. This event inspired his desire to become a member of the Emergency Medical Services and use his abilities and passion to help and care for the people in need, as he was cared for, which he finds incredibly rewarding.
 
He joined ARHT towards the end of 2017 and really enjoys the challenging aspects of the job and working with such a dedicated group of professionals.  
 
When not on base, he enjoys New Zealand's great outdoors, especially snowboarding and hiking, watching good action movies, and a game of paintball.

Brett has worked as a HEMS Emergency Doctor in Auckland since 2012. Originally from Dunedin, he has worked in Emergency and Aviation Medicine around the world.

Brett's love of the wild outdoors has seen him travel as an Expedition Doctor to the atolls of Tahiti, the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and the deserts of Namibia.

He is currently completing a Masters of Aviation Medicine and while still supporting the mighty Highlanders, is extremely happy to be calling Auckland home.

Ula (pronounced You-la) moved to New Zealand from the UK and loves being able to work in a team of skilled professionals, who can bring order and calm to a scene of fear, pain and chaos.

Ula says it is great to turn that around and stabilise a sick patient, especially, if they are lucky enough,  to see them make a good recovery. She says that is the best reward for doing this job, alongside the laughter and camaraderie that comes from working with great people.

Dean's association with the Westpac Rescue helicopter began through Surf Life Saving in the late 1980’s.  Since that time, he has worked for a variety of search and rescue, pre-hospital and aeromedical organisations in a number of countries.

Originally from Auckland, Dean has now returned home and works predominantly as a Paediatric Anaesthetist at Middlemore Hospital (CMDHB) and with HEMS.

Heidi joined the ARHT HEMS team in June 2015.  She works in dual consultant roles at Auckland Hospital in Adult Emergency and Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Starship. 

Mum to three children and hailing from a rural background, Heidi has always recognized the need for pre-hospital care in isolated areas for both adults and children.  In her days off she loves to spend time exploring the outdoors with her family, or running mountain trails.

Emma joined ARHT in November 2015 as a HEMS doctor. She also works as an Emergency Medicine Specialist at Auckland City Hospital.

Emma loves working with the ARHT team and all the challenges of taking the resuscitation room to the beach/roadside/paddock. Outside of work she enjoys travel adventures, cycling, crossfit and SCUBA diving when feeling energetic, and knitting/Netflix when some blobbing is needed. 

Alana is an Emergency Medicine Specialist at Auckland City Hospital. She has been a HEMS Doctor with the ARHT since 2011, and loves being able to provide critical-care level medicine outside of the hospital, and the variety of work this job brings.

Outside of medicine, Alana is mum to a young family.

Paul arrived in Invercargill from the UK in 2008 and finished his emergency medicine training in Auckland, working as an ARHT HEMS Fellow in 2015. 

Despite moving to Tauranga to take on a role as their trauma lead in the emergency department, he continues to fly with the Trust twice a month.  When not traveling between both cities, he loves kayak fishing, cooking curries and spending time with his little kiwi daughter.

Nick joined ARHT as a HEMS Doctor in 2016 and also works as an Emergency Medicine Physician in the Auckland region.

Prior to returning to Auckland in 2011, Nick worked and lived in the UK and Australia for many years. His spare time is spent with his wife, enjoying watching their young son Sebastian grow, explore and develop.

Dave learnt to fly in  the RAF in the UK.

He has flown in the North Sea, Borneo, Dubai, the Falklands, Kenya, and for Greenpeace in Antarctic, Arctic, Tasman and Pacific arenas.  

Dave is also NZ's only qualified Commercial Airship Pilot, flew a Boeing 737 for Air NZ and was a Civil Aviation Authority Inspector.  Dave is also the designated CAA examiner for several of New Zealand’s Rescue Helicopter Trusts. 

Lincoln has worked for a number of New Zealand charities in communication roles. He started as a copywriter in the advertising industry, before making the leap to the not-for-profit sector in 1999.

Lincoln finds great satisfaction in using his creative skills to support a good cause. He joined the Trust in 2015.

Outside of work, the father of two enjoys getting out amongst it all with his family and heading off on intrepid adventures with Kiwis to help others in need.

Kerrie started at the Trust in 2008 as PA to the CEO, a position she held for five years. After that time, Kerrie moved into two new part-time roles, Comms Adviser and Planned Giving Manager.

As from 1 July 2017, she transitioned to a full time Planned Giving Manager role. She enjoys this position, as she knows the importance of bequests to the rescue service and is humbled by the amount of people who leave a legacy to help others.

In her spare time, Kerrie writes short plays and is currently writing a thriller novel set in Auckland.

Michelle (Shellie) has been with ARHT since 2001.  Prior to that, she was juggling gaining her Diploma in Business Management and Diploma in Photography. 

Shellie has been an integral part of our data processing team and has taken on a fundamental role within our new database system, ensuring that donations and statistical analysis is maintained accurately.

Missy has been with the Trust since 2014. Juggling a number of different administration roles, she is responsible for supporting the CEO.

Formerly an airline boarding agent, Missy has loved jumping on board the rescue helicopter. “I never thought I would work for ARHT. It’s an awesome place and it’s great seeing how much wonderful support there is for the charity out there.” 

Dan joined the Trust in late 2014 and produces all of our great looking artwork for direct mail, events and everything in between.

Bruce Kerr is an ex-Intensive Care Paramedic for the Trust. He retired from full-time active duty in December 2016, after over 20 years service with ARHT and 20 years with St John Ambulance. Bruce completed over 3,000 rescue missions in that time.

Bruce is now working two days a week out of the Trust's fundraising office, speaking to our patients and answering any questions they may have, as well as assisting Kerrie (Planned Giving Manager) with bequest related enquiries and speaking engagements.

Barry was the Chief Paramedic for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, retiring from active duty in 2016.

Barry has worked for the rescue service since 1997 and now continues in a flexible part-time role, assisting with vehicle management, equipment pick-up, staff retrievals, public speaking engagements and ambulance liaison. He also provides helicopter awareness/safety presentations to rural Ambulance and/or NZ Fire service staff, as well as training and education for rural EMS volunteers.

Barry enjoys continuing to promote the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust in any capacity he can.

Jane Dyke started working for the ARHT in 2013. Jane's role is to assist the Quality Manager, SMS Manager and Flight Operations Manager to maintain ARHT's documentation.

In her spare time she enjoys exercise, travelling, the outdoors and being a joyologist :)

She also loves to spend time with her dog, who she gets to take kayaking and (hopefully soon) paddle-boarding too!

Leanda began working for ARHT in 2015. Prior to that she was in a business advisory role for the Business Excellence Awards.

Lorraine began working for ARHT in 2000.

Debbie started with the Trust in early 2014 as our Volunteers Coordinator.  In response to budget cuts, the Trust had to look at ways to harness the Volunteer Support of our community to assist with many things including administration and fundraising. 

Debbie, having had first-hand experience as a patient after her family was involved in a major car accident in 2012, fully appreciates the service that the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust provides.  She feels incredibly grateful to be working with the amazing team of loving and compassionate professionals and volunteers who make up the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. 

Fraser has been an aircraft engineer since 1994, starting in the RNZAF then spent some time in the UK and in NZ on airliners. He made the move to helicopters in 2006.

Fraser really enjoys his job at ARHT knowing his efforts are a part of helping others in trouble. Outside of work he loves spending time with his wife and two children. Fraser also runs one of the two Te Puru cub packs which he attends with his son.

Chris joined the ARHT fundrasing team back in 1999, after completing a BA at university and making ends meet doing a variety of handy-man type jobs.

Now married with three kids, Chris just loves being a part of the ARHT team that helps save so many lives.

Ros started with ARHT in 2011, bringing her passion for helping people and providing a great service.

She is excited about being part of a great team which help deliver such an essential lifesaving service to everyone in the Auckland and Coromandel Regions.

In her spare time, Ros and her husband like to escape to their bach in Whangamata, with the rest of the family and their dog, Lexi.

Originally hailing from London, UK, Nigel spent seven and a half years in the RAF on a helicopter squadron. After leaving the RAF, Nigel worked as a photo manager on board cruise ships for several cruise lines, sailing throughout the Caribbean.

Returning back to the UK was not an option (after coming from such warm temperatures), so he moved out to Florida where he lived for 20 years. Here, he had his own commercial photography company and real estate brokerage, selling  hotels.

After arriving on the shores of New Zealand, Nigel got right into the kiwi culture, racing kayaks and Waka amas for a local team and training for his pilot licens.

In his spare time, you can often find him riding around this beautiful countryside on his motorcycle.

Nigel also volunteers with Coastguard Air Patrol, when not spending time with his two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Alexa.

Phillip started with the Trust in 2006 as part of a small Corporate Fundraising team.

In his spare time, Phillip enjoys fishing, golf and traveling to Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Shaan started working for the Trust in 2009, as part of the Corporate Fundraising Team. In 2013, he moved into his current role as the Corporate Fundraising Manager.

When Shaan is not working with his team, securing the vital operational funding required by ARHT, you will find him either on the rugby field coaching two of his five kids' rugby teams or, if time allows, he will be located outside on the Hauraki Gulf, chasing the work ups with the kids, a couple of mates, or a combination of the two.  

Paul worked for 30 years in the Toy industry, starting with a Saturday morning job at the Toy Warehouse. He then progressed to management and became a Branch Manager for Deka.

Following on from Deka, Paul worked as an Account Manager at Thos Holdsworth & Sons Ltd for 20 years before, joining ARHT in 2016.

In his spare time, Paul likes to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycle as often as possible, and also enjoys a spot of fishing and mountain biking.

Kim joined ARHT in 2004 and has been involved in many different roles during this time. From running around teaching

school students our Crew Fitness Test, through to conducting early morning boot camps for staff, and through to her most recent role of managing the Community Fundraising Team.

Kim loves the challenge of CrossFit, still gets excited about coming to work after all these years and feels like she does a good deed every day. 

She feels super proud to be part of the organisation and work alongside a wonderful bunch of people.

Henda joined ARHT in early April 2018. She is also a full time student at Manukau Institute of Technology.

Henda is very excited to be a part of an amazing team and admires the work done by the Trust.

In her spare time, she loves listening to music or catching a good movie.
 

Miles has been part of the Community Fundraising team since October 2015.

Miles enjoys talking to all of the Trust's loyal supporters and says that being part of a world class rescue helicopter service is what keeps him going. That and a bit of golf or fishing at the weekend!

Arthur joined ARHT in early June 2017.  Previous to that, Arthur had been in a Community Fundraising position for over two years, after studying in Political Science at UTSA.

In his spare time, he is a musician, golfer, and basketball player.

Simi joined ARHT in April 2018. She is Deaf and lip reads fluently. She has always taken her deafness as a opportunity rather than a challenge and hungry to learn new things. 

She completed her studies last year fall with a degree in Bachelor of Commerce with double majors in Marketing and Information Systems from University of Auckland. She is very excited to be part of community team and proud to be a part of an amazing cause. Community work has always been a part of her life since a very young age.

In her spare time, she looks after children as before school caretaker, enjoys photography, beautiful cuisine delights, and exploring nature and all that New Zealand has to offer. 

You’ve seen her on the telly, most recently as presenter for Fair-Go and defender of Kiwis who have been left with very little options.  Pippa Wetzell is a welcome addition to many of our homes, at least once a week, and she often does the odd stint on Seven Sharp and Breakfast too.

Pippa started working at TVNZ, one of our Corporate Sponsors, in the 90s, straight out of a Communications Degree. Working the overnight shift on the news desk, Pippa’s roles included reporting and producing for Breakfast, Midday News, and Business. She was also a reporter for ONE News for five years, before taking up the presenting role on Breakfast.

A busy mum as well, we are very fortunate to have Pippa on board as our Ambassador, flying the flag for her local Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service on top of her everyday life. Pippa tells us that supporting the service is an easy choice.

“There are so many wonderful stories of people whose lives have been saved because of the Auckland and Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service,” she says, “I’m born and bred in Auckland and we holiday regularly in the Coromandel too. My family has spent a lot of time out and about exploring these beautiful regions and appreciate the incredible service the helicopter provides.”

Pippa has another special connection with the Trust. “My Dad was a surf lifesaver at Piha for many years starting in the 1960s. I understand the first rescue helicopter service was based out of Piha in the 70s and he would assist with rescues. It’s something he’s very proud of.”

“We Kiwis are an adventurous bunch,” she tells us, “We love to get out and explore our beautiful country and I wholeheartedly encourage that. It does mean though that you can find yourself out of the reach of facilities that you might need should an accident strike – you never know when you might need them.”

Pippa’s family have never needed to use the service themselves and she hopes they never will. “Every time I see them flying, it gives me pause for thought. You realise there is a family somewhere who is going through significant angst.”

Pippa’s three kids think helicopters are “fabulous”. “Ambulance helicopters (as they like to call them) are the ultimate though! They’re keen to have a close up look, but look, if I’m being totally honest, I hope they never have to get too close a look!”

We hope so too. From our crew to you, thank you Pippa for your generous support.

He’s a familiar face on the New Zealand rugby scene as well as our TV screens as a commentator with Sky TV. Just two centimetres shy of two metres, the former lock of the mighty All Blacks, is as generous in nature, as he is in stature. We are proud to have Ian support the work of the Auckland & Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters.

In the 2012 New Year Honours, Ian was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby.

The “Kamo Kid” now calls Auckland’s North Shore home and, when we approached him to fly the flag for our service, we were blown away by his response.

“I feel honoured and privileged to be involved with the work of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust,” Ian told us, “What your service does for our community is incredible, so yes please!”

We are chuffed to have Ian on board and look forward to this can-do Kiwi lifting the profile of the Trust.