New air ambulance unveiled for Auckland and Northland

Auckland and Northland's emergency medical response capabilities have been boosted with a new air ambulance helicopter.

Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and ACC Minister Scott Simpson unveiled the new helicopter as part of a national fleet upgrade designed to improve aeromedical services across the country.

Speaking at Northern Rescue's Ardmore base where the aircraft was now stationed, Costello said the helicopter represented a "major advancement" in aeromedical service delivery.

"We are pleased to see it become operational in this part of the country."

The Leonardo AW169 aircraft, the first of its kind to enter service under this initiative, features enhanced safety, improved flight performance, and upgraded medical capabilities, important for missions in remote or challenging weather conditions.

The Auckland/Northland chopper is the third aircraft to be rolled out under the national Emergency Air Ambulance Helicopter Service renewal programme.

The programme, jointly funded by Health NZ and the ACC, would deliver nine new or near-new helicopters across the country in 2024/25.

Ageing helicopters were to be replaced in Auckland, Northland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and Wellington, Costello said.

"It's great news that this helicopter will support people living in these regions as part of the Government’s investment to upgrade some of New Zealand’s air ambulance fleet."

Simpson said the service played a "critical role" in time-sensitive care for people in urgent need, particularly in regional and rural communities.

"Notably, this is the first helicopter purchased using ACC Investment debt financing, which has enabled the ageing helicopter replacement programme to progress at a faster pace.

"This financing arrangement has contributed to savings of around $500,000 per year."

The next helicopter would enter into service in Auckland/Northland in July 2025.