Northern Rescue is the coming together of two trusted rescue helicopter services - the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT).
In 2018, the Government introduced a three-region model - Northern, Central, and Southern - to ensure consistent, reliable helicopter rescue and air ambulance services across New Zealand. As part of this new model, ARHT and NEST formed a joint venture in 2019, creating Northern Rescue.
Today, Northern Rescue proudly owns and operates both the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters and the Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, continuing a legacy of care, innovation, and service across the upper North Island.
Together, ARHT and NEST bring more than 90 years of combined aeromedical expertise, with ARHT founded in 1970 and NEST established in 1988. While Northern Rescue represents a new chapter, it is grounded in the same community spirit and lifesaving purpose that have guided both organisations for generations.
Like many rescue helicopter services across New Zealand, the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) began through the vision and determination of passionate community champions.
The idea for NEST was first conceived at a public meeting initiated by the Auckland Surf Life Saving Association, focused on establishing a rescue helicopter service in Northland during the busy 3 month summer period.
With the involvement of the Order of St John, NZ Police, NZ Fire Service, Northland DHB and ACC, a charitable trust was formed in 1988 to provide a dedicated emergency rescue and air ambulance helicopter service for the people of Northland.
NEST carried its first patient on Tuesday 15 November 1988 using a Bell Jet Ranger - a basic single-engine rescue helicopter with room for one patient and a nurse alongside the pilot.
Over the decades, the service grew significantly. By 2021, NEST’s fleet had expanded to three Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, completing 1,289 missions in that year alone and contributing to tens of thousands of flights over its history.
The origins of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) date back to the summer of 1970, when a group of volunteer lifeguards introduced the world’s first civilian rescue helicopter service.
The Auckland Surf Life Saving Association launched this pioneering operation using a Hiller 12E helicopter to support rescues along Auckland’s rugged west coast beaches - a remarkable example of Kiwi innovation and community spirit.
As the service evolved, a charitable trust was established in 1990 to support and grow what had become a highly respected aeromedical operation.
With the generous support of Westpac and the wider community, the service became widely known as the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Over time, the commitment of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff helped build a world-class rescue helicopter operation serving Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf, and Coromandel, completing tens of thousands of often life-saving missions.
ARHT’s journey has been one of growth, innovation, and service to community. Today, that proud legacy continues through Northern Rescue - carrying forward decades of experience, trust, and commitment into the future.
Both NEST and ARHT have touched the lives of tens of thousands of people across Northland, Auckland, Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel and beyond.
That legacy continues as part of Northern Rescue, ensuring our communities and visitors to the region continue to benefit from a world-class rescue helicopter operation, today and into the future.
Join us to hear more about our mission, and how you can help save lives in your community.
