Leigh, Air Crew Officer/Paramedic and Base Manager of the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, is proud to be challenging expectations in an industry historically dominated by men. This International Women’s Day, we recognise the vital contributions women make onboard rescue helicopters and throughout the wider community. As part of this celebration, we highlight the achievements of Leigh, who joined the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter crew in November 2020 and stepped into the Base Manager role in 2025.
Leigh began her career as a medic in 2012 when she joined the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Her time in the NZDF provided extensive experience in aviation medicine, fixed and rotary wing aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, emergency medicine, and primary health care - skills that now underpin her work on the rescue helicopter.
Here are her answers to the questions we asked her:
What does a typical day look like for you balancing leadership responsibilities with operational readiness?
"Balancing leadership responsibilities with operational readiness is always a challenge - but luckily, we girls are pretty good at multitasking. As a Paramedic Aircrew Officer, I’m used to constantly juggling the aviation and medical priorities of my role. I’m a firm believer in “gears before beers”: making sure my kit and the helicopter are squared away and mission-ready for when the pager goes off. When the operational basics are sorted, it gives me the headspace to lead the team effectively."
What advice would you give to young women who dream of working in aviation, paramedicine, or search and rescue?
"My advice to young women dreaming of a career in aviation, paramedicine, or search and rescue is simple: if you can dream it, you can be it. These are traditionally male-dominated industries - especially when you combine the histories of paramedicine and aviation - but that shouldn’t be a barrier. I’m currently the youngest person on our base and the only female on the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, and somehow I ended up in charge of the crew. It just goes to show that girls really can do anything!"
Who were the women (or men) who inspired or supported you on your career journey?
"I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have strong support throughout my career. At the top of the list is my family and my husband, who have backed me every step of the way. I’ve also had huge support from the team at the Palmerston North base, who have trusted me both as their colleague and Base Manager. That kind of backing makes all the difference."
If you could describe your job in three words, what would they be?
"Nothing makes sense! A minor fender-bender can be fatal, while at a massive accident, people can miraculously walk away. You can brace for a long weekend of bad weather, and nothing happens - then a random sunny Tuesday, and it all turns to custard. This job keeps you humble."
What's your go-to motto/advice you'd give to your younger self?
"In the wise words of Taylor Swift, the haters are going to hate. I went to a very conservative school that wasn’t supportive of my career aspirations, so my personal motto became: only dead fish go with the flow. I set out to prove to everyone - and myself - that I could do this."
What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “Yes - this is exactly where I’m meant to be”?
"Honestly, it’s when patients come back to see us after they’ve recovered. Seeing someone alive - sometimes even walking - after you’ve fought alongside them to keep them alive in their worst moment… that’s when it really hits home. All the studying, the pressure, the tricky flying - it makes every bit of it worth it."
What’s the first thing you do when the pager goes off?
"Race the boys to the toilet so I can go first - priorities! No one can concentrate with a full bladder. Then it’s straight into game mode."
Which woman inspires you the most and why?
"The woman who inspires me most is my mum. From a young age, she showed me what resilience, hard work, and quiet strength really look like. She backed me to chase big goals, even when the path into aviation and paramedicine wasn’t the obvious or easy one. She taught me the value of determination and showing up when it matters. That foundation has shaped the way I lead, work, and support my team today."
What’s the best part about leading your rescue helicopter crew?
"The people - hands down. I’m humbled every day by the team I get to work with. We do serious work in high-pressure moments, but the yarns and banter keep things grounded so nothing ever feels too heavy. Leading this crew is a privilege."
Thanks Leigh!