Putting a rescue helicopter pad on top of Christchurch's revamped central hospital could be the difference between life and death for some critically ill patients.... Read more

"Keep your pool full" says fire chief - 17 January 2013

Pool owners near last week's wildfire have been asked to keep them full of water in case helicopters are required for another fire.

The request was made at a Selwyn District Council-organised community meeting for fire-affected residents at the Lincoln Event Centre last night, attended by about 150 people.

The Broadfield School pool and a number of private pools were used as a water supply for helicopter monsoon buckets during last Thursday's fire.

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Safety Award Recognition - 21 December 2012

The following statement (Click Here) was issued by Irene King, Chief Executive of the Aviation Industry Association.

Naturally Garden City Helicopters and the pilots mentioned are proud to receive this recognition, which arrived the same week that the company also received a Christchurch City Council Earthquake Service Award for services provided after the Earthquakes of 22nd February 2011 and beyond.

All three of our rescue bases have remained busy during the first few days of the Christmas break, especially Nelson who also had a laser light incident resulting in the arrest of a man by the Police for that incident.

“We must always remain forever vigilant with aircraft safety and strive to maintain high standards of safety and care for our patients “ said Simon Duncan, General Manager. 

Garden City Helicopters receives CCC Earthquake Award - December 2012

We are very pleased to announce that Garden City Helicopters is the recipient of a Christchurch Earthquake Award for 2012, recognising the company's role in carrying out medical evacuation, fire-fighting and paramedic operations during the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010/11.

Click Here for a full list of Award Recipients

GCH Welcomes New Group Marketing Manager - December 2012

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Fleming to the role of Group Marketing Manager for Garden City Helicopters.

Alison has an extensive background in tourism-based marketing communications and will take up her position in late January 2013.    

Open Day at Helicopter Base - April 2012

Cantabrians flocked to the Christchurch base of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter on April 22nd to enjoy the annual Air Rescue Open Day. This popular event is held annually to highlight the work of our air rescue services and rescue partner organisations such as St John, New Zealand Fire Service, Search and Rescue, Police and many more.

Click Here for images of the event

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Neil Scott Honoured with Achievement Award - July 2011

Garden City Helicopters Chief Pilot Neil Scott has been presented a lifetime service award by the AIA (Aviation Industry Association) for Neil's contribution to aviation safety in New Zealand for the past 45 years.
Neil and his wife Barbara were presented with the award during a special dinner function at the AIA Annual Conference in Wellington, attended by over 300 people from throughout the New Zealand aviation industry .
The award was presented by John Jones, the AIA president and former CAA director, to a standing ovation in recognition of Neil's great achievement.

Click Here to read an article about Neil Scott's aviation career.

Answering the Call - Airwaves Magazine Autumn/Winter 2011

When the Christchurch Earthquake hit, the call for help was immediate. Without hesitation, rescue helicopters from all over the country converged on the city, knowing the next few hours and days would be critical.

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