In the first half of 2026, a cutting-edge Airbus H145 rescue helicopter will become operational in the Top of the South, marking one of the biggest leaps forward in emergency aviation our region has ever seen. Designed for rugged landscapes and time-critical emergencies, the H145 brings major improvements in speed, power, safety, and clinical capability.

More Space: A larger cabin allows our crew to deliver life-saving treatment mid-flight.
More power and stability: Advanced avionics help crews operate safely and precisely in our region’s challenging terrain.
More lives reached: The aircraft will enable faster, safer, and more efficient missions across the Top of the South.

“This helicopter gives the crew the space, power and technology they need to reach more people, more safely, and more quickly than ever before. It’s about helping the crew do their best work — and ultimately saving more lives across our region.”

The H145 also strengthens the mid to upper South Island rescue network, as service operator GCH Aviation already uses the model in Canterbury. A standardised fleet means greater efficiency in maintenance, training, parts, and resourcing — ultimately improving resilience and response capability across the upper South.

Mark Forward and Russell Jones from Westpac NZ, alongside Paula Muddle, Geoffrey Faulkner, Alexandra Isherwood and John Rollston from the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust in front of Canterbury’s operational H145.

While the helicopter itself is secured, we now turn to the commissioning costs; the vital equipment and systems needed for it to enter service safely. As an example, one of the top priorities are night vision goggles (NVGs) for safe night and low light operations. We have ordered four sets; two are already funded thanks to Pub Charity, and we need $85,000 to fund the remaining sets.

“Our new rescue helicopter lands in Nelson in 2026 —but it’s our community that helps it take flight. Training and commissioning equipment keep our crews safe and our missions possible from day one. This comes at a cost close to $1 million, so we really need our community to invest in the future and join us on this exciting journey.”

Once the new H145 is in service, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust will work with GCH Aviation to introduce Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR) capability across the region.

This upgrade will enable pilots to fly using advanced navigation systems rather than relying solely on visual cues — meaning safe flight is possible in low-visibility or challenging weather.

For a region with mountains, coastal weather systems, and sudden changes in conditions, the impact is enormous. IFR is expected to increase our ability to respond to emergencies by up to 25% ensuring more people receive urgent care when weather would previously have prevented a helicopter from flying.

The IFR rollout will involve new helipads, aviation lighting systems, specialised pilot training and the development of dedicated flight routes. Estimated at nearly another $1 million, this investment will save more lives for generations to come.

Our service responds to more than 400 missions every year, and the arrival of the H145 marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the region’s emergency response capability.

Thank you for being part of our mission — past, present, and future.

Powered by Community Support — Join the Mission!

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust is a charitable organisation. Every major advancement we fund is only possible because of community support. Operation IFR is no different.

When you support Operation IFR, you’re helping ensure that weather is no longer the deciding factor in whether help can reach someone in need.

You’re helping turn “we can’t fly” into “we’re on our way.”

Operation IFR is about building a safer future for the Top of the South — one where more people can access life-saving help, more often, and in more conditions. This mission will take time, planning, and community investment but the outcome will be felt for generations.

Together, we can help more people, more often — no matter the weather.