Our Team

Simon joined us as a board member in October 2018. He has enjoyed working for almost 40 years in the finance industry. Initially he was in an accounting role, followed by 12 years in investment banking, before shifting into an investment management role at NZAM (New Zealand Assets Management) where he has been for the last 21 years. He is currently a Shareholder, Director and Chief Financial Officer for this prestigious company.

Flying is one of his passions. Simon has flown helicopters since the early 2000’s. In more recent times, he has enjoyed flying fixed wing aircraft as well having obtained a private pilot’s license for planes three years ago. In his spare time, Simon enjoys skiing and golf as well as spending time with a growing number of grandchildren.

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 include 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.

Most New Zealander's know Dr. Lance O'Sullivan as New Zealander of the Year 2014, but he is also an accomplished author, national and international speaker, role model and disruptive leader and innovator. He is an outspoken advocate for better health services and a champion for creating a fairer New Zealand.

Formerly operating as a GP in Kaitaia, Lance is now residing in Auckland where he has established a hostel for Maori youth from Northland on the site of Hato Petera College, enabling those boys to live in a safe, communal environment and receive quality secondary education at local schools. Lance also founded and is working within iMoko, a technology business delivering digital health services to thousands of New Zealand children.  

Lance joined the board in May 2019.

Dr David Powell brings to the table a passion for aviation medicine and a wealth of experience, having dedicated most of his career to it. 

David’s journey began with the Royal New Zealand Air Force where he was in command of the Aviation Medicine Unit. He was Chief Medical Officer of Air New Zealand for 12 years. As a senior lecturer at Auckland University and previously at Otago University, as well as a consultant to both national and international airlines and aeromedical organisations, his knowledge is sought the world over. 

David has published several papers on fatigue and aircrew,and has lectured on the subject internationally. He is a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, the Australasian College of Aerospace Medicine and the Royal Aeronautical society as well as a member of a number of international aviation bodies.

David is no stranger to our work or some of our team. He was Medical Officer at ARHT from October 1996 to June 1997. Holding commercial aeroplane and chopper licenses, he’s often seen at Ardmore pursuing his love of flying. 

David joined the board in June 2019.

Roger joined ARHT in July 2014, having previously worked with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter 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 team and is responsible for raising the revenue required to maintain ARHT's 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.

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.

Jason has been flying for over 30 years but first soloed as a 16 year old. Jason's 14 year RNZAF career, mainly on the Bell Huey helicopter, included operations in Antarctica, the Pacific Islands and East Timor.  During this time he also spent two years on exchange with the Royal Navy and flew Sea King Commando helicopters at sea, and in Bosnia and Central America.  Jason transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy to fly the Seasprite in 2003 and undertook various seaborne operations including in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. After nearly 30 years in Defence, he left to spend a couple of years flying the Eagle helicopter for the New Zealand Police, and occasionally for the Wellington and Taranaki rescue helicopters, before joining ARHT in July 2019.

Jason is really looking forward to coming to grips with the new AW169 and helping turn this exciting platform into a real step-up in rescue capability for the people of Auckland and upper North Island.

Outside of flying, he enjoys keelboat sailing, alpine skiing, old cars and motorsport. He lives on the North Shore with his partner and two children.

Norm joined ARHT in July 2019.

He is an ex-military pilot who served in both the Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy. Norman has flown for Emergency Medical Services and Search and Rescues in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Australia and New Zealand. He has flown a variety of aircraft such as the Sea King, Bell 412, S76 and AW139. Norm has also flown oil and gas support operations in countries such as Nicaragua, Tanzania and Malaysia.

In his spare time, Norm enjoys riding his Royal Enfield motorbike as well as walking his three Griffin dogs with his wife and three daughters.

Steve has been flying helicopters for over 35 years in Airforce, Navy, Police and Rescue roles.

Having passed his wings course, Steve undertook a three year exchange with the Royal Navy flying the anti-submarine variant of the Seaking, operating from both shore bases and aircraft carriers.

Steve then returned to New Zealand and took up the Flight Commander role on various ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Steve left the Navy to fly both the Westpac Rescue and New Zealand Police helicopters.

He is very much looking forward to returning to the challenges of Emergency Medical Service work and flying the AW169.

Outside of work, his interests involve all things nautical and he enjoys getting out on the water whenever possible.

Steve is married to Heather and together they have raised two daughters who are currently enjoying tertiary study outside of Auckland. He joined the ARHT team in July 2019.

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 at the beach or in the caravan. Other interests include making furniture, beekeeping and surfing.

Rusty has worked at ARHT since 2011, 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 joined ARHT in 2011. 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 years old. 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.

Prior to joining the ARHT team in June 2019, Josh has enjoyed six years service with St John with the last three and a half years working as an Intensive Care Paramedic.

He is most looking forward to the challenge of taking his new role into more difficult situations with the additions of remote environments, patient accessibility and operating out of an aircraft.

Josh's interests outside of work are pistol shooting, hunting, hiking and tramping.

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.

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.

Max was previously a Helicopter Crewman in both the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy and also spent several years working in Australia for Boeing Defence as an Aircrewman Instructor.

He is enjoying his role where every day is different and knowing he is part of a team, both in the air and on the ground, that is devoted to providing medical assistance to those that need it.

Max enjoys spending time with my family, loves to fish, golf and also confesses he has a ‘mild’ addiction to online FPS gaming!

Max and his fiancé Paula have three kids and two cats between them!

Max joined ARHT in July 2019.

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 recognised the need for pre-hospital care in isolated areas for both adults and children. On 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 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.

Stephanie is an Emergency Medicine Trainee in her final stage of training and is developing a strong interest in Emergency medical care outside the hospital. 

Hailing from Whangarei Heads, she worked for a few years at Whangarei Hospital before arriving in Auckland to complete her training. 

When she is not working, she loves getting into the outdoors and particularly enjoys horse riding, tramping and spearfishing.

Marnix joined the crew in 2018 and says he loves his job. Marnix was born in Kenya and grew up there. He studied medicine at the University of London. Marnix has lived in New Zealand since 2009, working as an emergency doctor since 2011.

When not working, he can be found outdoors climbing, sailing or rafting. Sometimes you'll find him in his shed building something.

Stephanie joined the Trust in December 2018 and loves working with a bunch of incredibly motivated and skilled colleagues to care for people in the community when they most need help.  Outside of work, she loves to run, swim, and kayak and hopes to do this with her baby son as he gets bigger.

Louise works as an Emergency Medicine Specialist at the Auckland City Hospital, and is the clinical lead for Wellness and Resilience at the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. 

A self-confessed thrill-seeker, Louise can often be found feeding her addictions to various snow and water sports, or planning her next outdoor or travel adventure. 

Jono moved from Tauranga to Auckland in 2012 and has worked throughout the Auckland region. Most recently, he spent a few years working at a trauma hospital in East London. Jono is currently working as an Emergency Medicine Fellow at Auckland Hospital and is enjoying being part of Westpac Rescue Auckland which he describes as a cohesive team that really make a positive impact on the community.  

Outside of work, Jono enjoys getting stuck into DIY projects at home (mostly unfinished he admits), heading out into nature for an adventure, or just kicking a ball around at the park. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter. 

Jono began work at ARHT in June 2019.

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 started working for ARHT in October 2013. Jane's role is to assist the Flight Operations Manager, Safety Manager, Training Manager, Crew Chief, and Paramedics to maintain ARHT's documentation.

In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing at a café for a morning latte, exercise, travelling, the outdoors and being a Joyologist with a dash of pink! She has also been roped into helping her 94 year old inspiration write a book.

Jane loves to spend time with her family, friends and beautiful pooch, who she gets to take kayaking. Jane’s paddle-boarding skills need to be honed before she can take her pooch on board.

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.

Phillip joined ARHT as Safety Manager in January 2018, bringing with him extensive experience in the areas of aviation and workplace safety.  Phillip says, “Coming to ARHT has been invigorating, with pilots, crewmen, paramedics and doctors including safety in daily conversations and activities.  In an organisation where the team has to stay safe, in order to ensure the safety of others, such interactions are invaluable.”  In his spare time Phillip enjoys photography and attending airshows.   

Darrell joined ARHT in March 2011 in a part-time capacity to operate the trailer-mounted helicopter simulator at PR events and to establish a training programme for the pilots involving a monthly session in the simulator to practise instrument flying and emergency procedures.  Subsequently, he helped build the Trust’s BK117 simulator, a more authentic device, used for training ARHT pilots and those from other helicopter operators.

Darrell served for 21 years in the RNZAF flying and instructing on both helicopters (Sioux and Iroquois) and fixed wing aircraft (Harvard, Devon, Airtourer, Dakota and P3 Orion) and, during an exchange posting to the US Navy, gained considerable experience operating and instructing on flight simulators at a major Orion training squadron near San Francisco.

His interests include a range of sports, reading, anything aviation-related and family (adult son and daughter plus twin grandsons).  He and wife Jill, who spends many hours volunteering at ARHT events, make a formidable PR team when operating the flight simulator out in the community.

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 license.

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.

After a successful career in real estate, Rob returned to ARHT in September 2018. He had worked with the Corporate Fundraising Team previously for five years. Rob has lived in Japan for eight years where he met his wife Makiko. The Taylors have two sons. When not busy with family, Rob enjoys football and plays the sport year round.

Phil joined the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust in 2011. He enjoys his day to day interaction with Supporters and being a part of the Fundraising Team. In his spare time, he likes to catch a big fish or a good flick as well as eating out with friends.

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.

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.

If you do not recognise the man, you most certainly will recognise his voice. Miles Davis has presented shows on Newstalk ZB, Radio Sport, Radio Live, and Radio Pacific to name a few stations.

An avid sports and massive rugby union fan, he has fronted and provided commentary for international rugby as well as World Cup cricket. He also presented and produced his own show on Sky Sport and has made regular appearances on TV One’s Good Morning show.

This larger-than-life personality with an equally big heart has regularly used his voice to champion the work of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust through events such as the annual Pallet Company Golf Day. Miles is always up for being auctioned off as part of a prize to the highest bidder!   

His huge network of contacts in the sporting world and high-profile personalities means he can and has opened many doors for us when it comes to creating money-can’t-buy auction items and similar opportunities.

Miles is excited about his official role as Ambassador for the Trust.

"The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust provides an invaluable service to the people of New Zealand with their daily rescue missions,” Miles says, “Their ability to access remote locations as well as transport critically injured patients to medical facilities in double-quick time makes them unique. They have saved untold lives over the years.

I have been proud to support the efforts of the ARHT for the past decade and feel honoured to have been made an Ambassador."

We are thrilled to have you on-board in this new capacity too Miles!