A story of survival has inspired the Canterbury community to give big at this year’s annual Westpac Chopper Gala & Charity Auction, raising more than $240,000 for the lifesaving service.

At the Gala held last night (7 August) at Christchurch’s Town Hall, a 270 strong crowd heard from Roz Koning, who credits the rescue helicopter service with saving her life after becoming trapped in a West Coast river.

“I will be eternally grateful to the crew who put themselves on the line to save my life,” Koning told the crowd.

Also at the event, it was announced that the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has recently confirmed the purchase of four H145 Airbus helicopters. This is thanks to its long-standing partner Westpac NZ’s support, and the generosity of the whole community.

Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust CEO Christine Prince says Westpac’s commitment to the rescue helicopter service is extraordinary.

"For decades, Westpac has been more than a partner – they’ve been part of our mission. So, when we asked for a little more help to secure these rescue helicopters, they were very supportive. Westpac’s extended commitment to the rescue helicopter service is truly lifesaving” says Prince.

Service operator, GCH Aviation CEO Declan Smiddy says the roll-out of the H145 helicopters will revolutionise the rescue helicopter service, vastly improving patient outcomes.

“The H145’s are world-class machines with advanced avionics that will enable us to fly more often, in more adverse weather. We’ll have more power, be able to carry more weight, and the crew will have more space to provide lifesaving patient care. It’s a game-changer for the rescue helicopter service and our pilots and crew can’t wait to get them in the air,” says Smiddy.

Westpac NZ General Manager of Human Resources and Communications Marc Figgins, who’s also Chair of the Chopper Appeal Charitable Trust Board, says the bank is incredibly grateful for the all the work the rescue helicopters do.

“We know there’s nothing more welcome to those who need it than the sight and sound of an approaching chopper, especially in these regions with so much isolated and tricky terrain.”

The daring mission to save Roz’s life

Roz Koning says she’s only here because of two things – a personal locator beacon and the rescue helicopter. Her story captivated the audience at tonight’s Westpac Chopper Gala and Charity Auction, which raised more than $240,000 for the Air Rescue Trust.

Koning spoke about how in July 2024, while on a walk with her husband, she became trapped in the Taipo River on the West Coast.

“We were completing a river crossing when my husband lost his footing and we were both swept downstream. My husband gained his footing, but my foot was trapped in the rocks.

“Now sitting in chest deep water, I tried in vain to get my foot out, both our attempts to free it didn’t work.”

Roz activated a personal locator beacon. Despite her arms and legs being nearly numb, she told herself to stay calm and not to waste energy panicking. Hypothermia was setting in and when the rescue helicopter arrived, she was becoming unconscious.

The rescue helicopter crew of critical care paramedic Hernan Holliday and crewman Zack Armstrong worked together in a coordinated and intensely physical operation to free Roz’s foot and save her life. Hernan and Zack were each awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Operational Activity by NZ Search and Rescue for their efforts.

“The cold, hard truth is that without the personal locator beacon and the rescue helicopter I would not be here today. I will be eternally grateful to the crew who put themselves on the line to save my life,” Koning says.

The first of the H145 helicopters is scheduled to arrive in Christchurch this month.

About the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust

The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has funded the life-saving Rescue Helicopters in Canterbury and the West Coast since 1989. Working alongside service provider GCH Aviation, the Trust is tasked with raising $6 million each year to support the operation of the service, which is not fully government funded. The Trust’s funding also supports the provision of life-saving equipment and additional crew training, all of which improves patient care and outcomes.

© Scoop Media