about us

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter services the Central Plateau and Lakes region across the Central North Island. Providing a 24-hour emergency service, 365 days a year.

Providing a fully-fledged air emergency medical service with the employment of our own full-time experienced Critical Care Flight Paramedics (CCFP), Air Crew Officers and Pilots. Our crews offer a diverse range of attributes and experience to our operation. Each member of the team brings a specialist skillset, enhancing the safety and efficiency of rescue missions.

The team's expertise means your rescue helicopter can attend search and rescue missions, operations involving a winch, night operations, time-critical inter-hospital transfers, and provide assistance to NZ Fire, Land Search and Rescue and the Armed Offender Squad.

Central Air Ambulance Rescue Limited (CAARL) and Search and Rescue Services Ltd (SRSL) are registered charitable companies that operate 8 rescue helicopter bases covering the Central and Southern North Island, including the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter. To find out more, go to https://www.caarl.org.nz/
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Helicopters

Specifications & Equipment

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter is an Airbus H145. This twin-engine helicopter has advanced technology that significantly increase efficiency and performance, making it the best aircraft for all types of emergency situations.

Crew

Your Pilots

With proven experience in a diverse range of flying conditions, and logging thousands of flight hours, a rescue helicopter pilot is trusted with the safety of all on board.

Adam - Pilot and Base Manager

Jase - Pilot

Ru - Pilot

Ben - Pilot

Simon - Pilot

Your Air Crew Officer

As the extra eyes and ears for the Pilot and the Critical Care Flight Paramedic during a mission, safety on board and around the aircraft is their priority including winch operation, navigation, obstacle identification and safe landing during flights.

Bondy - Air Crew Officer

Annika - Air Crew Officer

Georgia - Air Crew Officer

Zoe - Air Crew Officer

Jack - Relief Air Crew Officer

Al - Relief Air Crew Officer

Your Critical Care Flight Paramedics

A critical care flight paramedic is trained to perform advanced medical intervention and life-saving procedures within a rescue helicopter environment.

Rob - Critical Care Flight Paramedic

Tony - Critical Care Flight Paramedic

Michael - Critical Care Flight Paramedic

Logan - Critical Care Flight Paramedic

Lorrin - Relief Critical Care Flight Paramedic

JK - Relief Critical Care Flight Paramedic

Your Operations Team

Muir - Medical Director

Graeme - Clinical Operations Manager

Charlie - Chief Pilot

Massey - Pilot Training Manager

Chris - Chief Operating Officer

History of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter

Incepted in 1985, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter has since undertaken over 6,254 missions. The service began with a Squirrel helicopter, originally called the Philips Rescue Helicopter and upgraded to the BK117 in April of 2019.

In 2012, Greenlea Premier Meats Ltd became the principal sponsor of the helicopter. By 2019, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter had employed full-time Crewmen and Critical Care Flight Paramedic.

Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for fundraising and promotion of the North Island’s largest pool of community rescue helicopters, including the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter. Encompassing a fleet of rescue helicopters, the service provides air health and rescue services free of charge to the public on a no-fault basis.
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Team

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Vanessa Richmond

General Manager

Leads Philips Search & Rescue Trust and oversees the Fundraising, Marketing, Administration & Finance teams
vanessa@rescue.org.nz
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Sharni Weir

Head of Fundraising and Marketing

Leads all areas of Fundraising & Marketing. Oversees the delivery of fundraising, marketing & communication strategies
sharni.weir@rescue.org.nz
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Angela Cranfield

Finance Manager

Oversees and supports all things related to finance
angela.cranfield@rescue.org.nz
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Keita Kirchin

Office and Finance Administrator

Oversees and supports all things related to finance, and office administration
keita.kirchin@rescue.org.nz
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Jenny Barris

Finance Processor

Processes donations that are made by our generous donors
donate@rescue.org.nz
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Renee Bosley

Fundraising Executive

Supports the Fundraising & Marketing Manager, funding requirements, events and oversees fundraising campaigns
renee.bosley@rescue.org.nz
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Ayshea Abela

Partnerships Coordinator

Supports our sponsors and corporate donor relationships
donate@rescue.org.nz
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Kelly Buchan

Community Fundraising Coordinator

Supports community fundraisers, provides fundraising support and looks after our legacy program.
fundraise@rescue.org.nz
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Millie Armory

Donor Care Coordinator – Regular Giving

First point of contact for our generous regular donors, providing support with whatever they need
donate@rescue.org.nz
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Kaia MacGregor

Donor Care Coordinator – Individual Giving

First point of contact for our generous donors, providing support with whatever they need
donate@rescue.org.nz
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Laura Hamilton

Database Coordinator

Undertakes the day-to-day coordination of our database and provides support to our donors
fundraise@rescue.org.nz
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Gillian Crompton

Marketing Executive

Looks after our community of patients and families, sharing stories with our family of supporters
marketing@rescue.org.nz
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Olivia Martinovich

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Manages the @rescuehelicoptersnz Instagram and Facebook social media accounts, content creation and communicates with supporters via campaigns & media
marketing@rescue.org.nz
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Milla Ware

Fundraising & Marketing Assistant

Supports the everyday functions of the Fundraising and Marketing team
marketing@rescue.org.nz
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