12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
557 views
New Zealand is upgrading its emergency helicopter fleet, replacing aging aircraft with 16 new helicopters by 2025 to improve safety, reliability, and performance, especially in remote and regional areas. The latest addition, an Airbus H145 D3 in Hawke’s Bay, enhances automation, patient care, and operation in challenging conditions, supporting critical medical transport and inter-hospital transfers. This $27.3 million investment aims to strengthen air ambulance services nationwide, ensuring better outcomes for patients and recognizing the vital work of air ambulance personnel.
23 Jun 2026
4 months ago
677 views
The New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards, hosted by Associate Transport Minister James Meager, recognized exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication in search and rescue efforts through three Gold Awards and seven Certificates of Achievement. The awards highlighted both recent courageous operations, such as the intensive search for missing tourist Hector Gaston Artigau, and long-term contributions from individuals like Keith Allen and Carolyn Tapley. Mr Meager emphasized the challenging nature of New Zealand’s vast search and rescue region and praised the recipients for their professionalism, passion, and selfless commitment to public safety.
08 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1252 views
Associate Transport Minister James Meager urges New Zealanders to nominate individuals or teams for the 2025 NZSAR Awards, which recognize exceptional search and rescue efforts across operational and support activities. He highlights the challenging nature of New Zealand’s search and rescue region and the dedication of volunteers, including canine teams, who work tirelessly to bring people home safely. The awards feature Gold Awards for outstanding contributions and Certificates of Achievement for notable efforts, with nominations closing on 31 January 2026.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1703 views
New Zealand's emergency services are implementing the Device Location Information (DLI) service to quickly locate individuals at risk without them having to call 111, enhancing response times in critical situations. The DLI technology allows emergency services to track mobile phones in emergencies, aiding search and rescue operations and assisting in health emergencies by locating individuals who may have fallen unconscious during a call. This new system streamlines the process by eliminating the need for manual requests to mobile network operators, ensuring quicker and more efficient emergency responses while maintaining privacy and transparency through rigorous authorization processes.
24 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2177 views
Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed an additional $76. 7 million for New Zealand Search and Rescue over three years, to ensure 12 organisations can continue their lifesaving operations. Additionally, the Government has announced an investment of $624,000 over the same period, to help maintain and improve recreational aviation safety across the country.