Latest news with #WestpacRescueHelicopter
RNZ News
21-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Piha lifeguards save 26-year-old in dramatic rescue
File photo. The rescuer says it is an important to remember how dangerous Piha can be. Photo: supplied / Surf Life Saving New Zealand One of the off-duty lifeguards involved in a dramatic rescue at Piha says the 26 year old man is lucky to be alive. Sam Johns said it was by chance his colleague Dave initially saw the swimmer in distress while walking on the beach about 10.50am on Wednesday. "Dave went for a walk across the beach in the morning and he was really lucky because he said he hasn't done it in the weekday for quite a long time. "He spotted someone who was in difficulty, and he's been a lifeguard for a long time, so he came up and notified me, who was the other lifeguard who was around," he said. Johns said he was about to tuck into a morning coffee at the time. "I was actually in our residence lounge at the surf club putting a cup of coffee on and I heard Dave come in and say that someone might be in difficulty. "We went and had a look at the guy with the binoculars and noticed he was in a big bit of difficulty, so we went out with the rescue boat and picked him up. "Brought him back to shore, and then brought him back to our first aid room, he was in a pretty bad way, and then the helicopter and the local first response came to help." A Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived at 11.15am and the patient was transported to hospital. The lifeguard said the swimmer was a new visitor to New Zealand and misjudged what he described as "pretty treacherous conditions". "There were some really strong currents and yeah, he was pretty new to the country, I think he came on holiday a couple of days ago and wasn't used to the coastline of New Zealand and how dangerous it can be so got in trouble pretty quickly and pulled out and smashed by the big waves." "I think by the time Dave and I spotted him, it was probably four or five minutes until he was back on the beach, so it was kind of really lucky that Dave was there to spot him. "The surf club has a really good set up with all of our equipment ready to go and rescue people. It was lucky today that there were two lifeguards, which is the minimum amount to go out and rescue people," he said. The rescuer said it was an important reminder about how dangerous Piha could be. "If in doubt, stay out. "If you don't think the conditions are safe or you're not confident, it's not worth it. Just stay out and maybe wait for a calmer day or a different beach." "If you do get in trouble, know how to float and stay calm and shout for help, and then the local search and rescue squads can come out and rescue you," Johns said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
21-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Swimmer saved by off-duty lifeguards at Piha Beach
The swimmer was rescued by off-duty lifeguards. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa Almeida Off-duty lifeguards pulled a 26-year-old man from the water at Auckland's Piha Beach this morning. The man has been taken to hospital after being rescued. A Surf Life Saving spokesperson said an off-duty lifeguard was walking on the beach at 10:50am when they came across a member of the public concerned about a swimmer in distress. "SAR was immediately activated, and the initial lifeguard was soon joined by a further off-duty lifeguard. "Lifeguards immediately responded by launching an Inflatable Rescue Boat and rescuing a 26-year-old male patient from the water. "The patient - who was losing consciousness - was then returned to the beach, where an initial assessment was performed." They said a Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived at 11:15am and the patient was transported to hospital. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Advertiser
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Photos from the Hunter Rescue Ball in Newcastle
It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter. The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening. The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour. Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt. The evening was dripping with style. At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service. Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety. The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner. The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter. The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening. The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour. Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt. The evening was dripping with style. At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service. Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety. The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner. The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter. The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening. The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour. Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt. The evening was dripping with style. At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service. Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety. The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner. The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter. The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening. The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour. Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt. The evening was dripping with style. At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service. Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety. The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner. The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Chch teenager gives back after chopper rescue
After being saved by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, teenager Riley Abbott raised $3500 for the service. Crews will be shaking buckets around the country today for the annual Chopper Street Appeal Day. Photo: Supplied A Christchurch high school student has defied the odds after a devastating crash - and now he's giving back to the air rescue crew who saved him. Sports-loving teenager Riley Abbott's life changed in an instant in July 2023. The St Bede's College boarder and rugby enthusiast from Hawarden misjudged a jump while riding his dirt bike, leaving him with a shattered femur and dislocated hip. In cold conditions and fading light, Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedics stabilised Riley on-site and flew him to Christchurch Hospital using night vision technology that made the urgent flight possible. Riley underwent surgery and faced months of rehab, leaving his future in sport uncertain. A year later, Riley, now 17, learned he would need a full hip replacement due to severe joint damage. With resilience and determination, Riley joined his parents in the Coast to Coast. He cycled all 140km of the bike stages, raising $3500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service. Today members of the public will have the opportunity to support Westpac rescue chopper teams too. The organisation will be shaking buckets around the country to raise money for its annual Chopper Street Appeal Day. Canterbury's Westpac Rescue helicopters flew 765 missions across the region last year, up 15% on 2023. Of the call-outs, 42% were to attend accidents such as Riley's, 23% for medical conditions and 8% search and rescue missions. Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust chief executive Christine Prince said the public's generosity is essential to keeping its choppers and specialised crews operating. Prince said the trust has set a target of $1.4 million, with $600,000 still needed before the end of this year to help support the purchase of three H145 rescue helicopters from Switzerland. 'We are raising the bar to meet the growing needs of our communities. 'Our mission is to increase the response capability of the rescue helicopters by 20%, deliver new technologies, medical equipment, and training so we can help save more lives.' • To make a donation or find out more, visit
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Teen gives back to chopper after rescue
After being saved by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, teenager Riley Abbott raised $3500 for the service. Crews will be shaking buckets around the country today for the annual Chopper Street Appeal Day. Photo: Supplied A Christchurch high school student has defied the odds after a devastating crash - and now he's giving back to the air rescue crew who saved him. Sports-loving teenager Riley Abbott's life changed in an instant in July 2023. The St Bede's College boarder and rugby enthusiast from Hawarden misjudged a jump while riding his dirt bike, leaving him with a shattered femur and dislocated hip. In cold conditions and fading light, Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedics stabilised Riley on-site and flew him to Christchurch Hospital using night vision technology that made the urgent flight possible. Riley underwent surgery and faced months of rehab, leaving his future in sport uncertain. A year later, Riley, now 17, learned he would need a full hip replacement due to severe joint damage. With resilience and determination, Riley joined his parents in the Coast to Coast. He cycled all 140km of the bike stages, raising $3500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service. Today members of the public will have the opportunity to support Westpac rescue chopper teams too. The organisation will be shaking buckets around the country to raise money for its annual Chopper Street Appeal Day. Canterbury's Westpac Rescue helicopters flew 765 missions across the region last year, up 15% on 2023. Of the call-outs, 42% were to attend accidents such as Riley's, 23% for medical conditions and 8% search and rescue missions. Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust chief executive Christine Prince said the public's generosity is essential to keeping its choppers and specialised crews operating. Prince said the trust has set a target of $1.4 million, with $600,000 still needed before the end of this year to help support the purchase of three H145 rescue helicopters from Switzerland. 'We are raising the bar to meet the growing needs of our communities. 'Our mission is to increase the response capability of the rescue helicopters by 20%, deliver new technologies, medical equipment, and training so we can help save more lives.' • To make a donation or find out more, visit
