Government Invests in New Helicopters to Upgrade NZ's Air Ambulance Fleet

New aircraft to improve emergency response services across the country, especially in rural areas.

The New Zealand Government is set to invest in eight new emergency helicopters to replace some of the country's ageing air ambulance fleet, as announced by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and ACC Minister Matt Doocey today. The investment, which includes both new and second-hand helicopters, will enhance the capacity of emergency air services to respond more effectively, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“Our air ambulance helicopters play a vital role in saving lives around New Zealand,” said Associate Health Minister Casey Costello. “This is especially crucial for those living in remote, rural, or regional areas, where access to emergency healthcare can be challenging."

The new helicopters, either purchased or leased, will be deployed to regions where they are most needed, with an emphasis on areas that face the greatest demand for emergency air services. The upgraded fleet will offer improved safety, better operational performance, and enhanced reliability, particularly in challenging weather conditions due to the new Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability.

In addition to operational improvements, the new helicopters will offer reduced maintenance costs and greater fuel efficiency, further supporting the sustainability of New Zealand’s emergency response capabilities.

To support the fleet upgrade, the Government is investing an additional $14.7 million in the year leading up to July 2025. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora will contribute $8.2 million, while ACC will invest $6.5 million. These funds will enable New Zealand’s air ambulance service providers to transition from ageing aircraft to more modern, capable helicopters.

“The need to upgrade New Zealand’s air ambulance fleet has been pressing, and this investment is a major step forward in ensuring that critically needed services remain available for the future,” said ACC Minister Matt Doocey. “These helicopters are essential for enabling paramedics, doctors, and nurses to provide immediate medical care while transporting patients to appropriate healthcare facilities. This significantly reduces the risks associated with delayed care due to geographic isolation.”

Over the past three years, the demand for air ambulance services has risen by 21 percent, with the fleet logging 13,026 flight hours in the year to October 2023—an average of more than 35 hours per day. The service is crucial for responding to medical emergencies, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

New Zealand’s emergency air ambulance services are currently provided by Northern Rescue Helicopter Limited (Auckland and Northland), Central Air Ambulance Rescue Limited (Central North Island), and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (South Island). These providers either own or lease the helicopters used for emergency operations.

Health New Zealand and ACC are working closely with the sector to redesign the aeromedical operating model to ensure the most efficient use of air ambulance resources. This effort includes the transition to longer-term contracts with service providers to foster stability and improved service delivery.

The first replacement helicopter is already in operation, with the second one expected to arrive in New Zealand by the end of this year.

“This long weekend is also an important time to remind people to stay safe on the roads," said Minister Costello. "We are grateful to our dedicated air and road ambulance crews and emergency responders, who work tirelessly to keep New Zealanders safe.”

With the updated fleet, the Government aims to further improve access to emergency care across the country and reduce the long-term impacts of injury or illness from delayed medical treatment.