Your Stories

Do you have a story to share?

Patients and donors are at the heart of everything we do. Your stories are a powerful testament to human strength, courage, vulnerability, and hope.

Your stories inspire others and bring awareness to the lifesaving work undertaken by the highly skilled personnel onboard the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, who are saving lives every day.

If you have experienced our service or held a fundraising event or activity for your rescue helicopter, we’d love for you to share it with us. Click here to share your story.

ARH Air Crew Officer Paramedic Kesia (3)

Mar 6, 2026

Celebrating the Women Behind Our Rescue Helicopter Missions

This International Women’s Day, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter is recognising the vital contributions women make onboard the rescue helicopter, and the wider community.

ARH papamoa hills winch, staging point 10th (4)

Mar 4, 2026

Jack is alive today because help arrived when it mattered most

Jack was preparing to fly overseas for a family wedding when he decided to fit in one last workout - a run he’d done many times before in the Papamoa Hills Regional Park.

Nov 4, 2025

At night, the danger only surges. Just as it did for Mike…

Not long ago, Mike headed out in the morning for a 3-hour kayak on the local river.

Sep 15, 2025

“We can’t thank you enough”

When 10-year-old Toby’s life was in danger, your support got him to Starship Hospital in just 35 minutes. That flight (and your kindness) will never forgotten by Toby or his family.

Jul 31, 2025

grateful patient Colin becomes Heli Hero

“I feel very blessed,” says Colin

When Colin was lying on the road after a terrible motorbike accident, you helped deliver the rescue helicopter to his side.