The efforts of Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews are being acknowledged following a particularly busy start to 2026 across Coromandel.

After flying 170 missions to Coromandel in 2025, the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters - operated by Northern Rescue - attended to 30 rescues alone in the first month of 2026.

Northern Rescue Chief Operating Officer Karl Taylor, a former Critical Care Paramedic, says crews responded to 16 medical events and 13 accidents and one search and rescue mission throughout Coromandel in January.

“Callouts ranged from serious medical emergencies to accidents in remote locations, where rapid access to advanced medical care can make a life-saving difference,” says Taylor.

The summer period traditionally brings an increase in activity, with more people holidaying, boating, hiking, and travelling throughout Coromandel.

“While the region offers incredible outdoor experiences, due to its topography it can also present challenges when emergencies occur far from immediate medical help, which is where our Northern Rescue Helicopters are so effective in reaching people”.

“Our January statistics highlight just how vital air ambulance services are for communities and visitors across the Coromandel,” he says.

In acknowledging the hard work of Northern Rescue’s engineers, pilots and paramedics, Taylor also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all first responders for keeping people safe in Coromandel. Taylor says everyone plays a part in helping people sick or injured, from motorists first on scene at road crashes, to Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Hato Hone St John and volunteers.

“We are proud to work alongside our fellow first responders for the good of the community 24/7,365 days a year. We are all here to deliver high levels of care when people need help the most.”

Northern Rescue operates both Auckland and Northland Air Ambulance Services, completing over 2,064 missions in 2025.

“Our Northern Rescue team is immensely grateful to the Coromandel community, and other communities we serve, for their ongoing support and generosity towards Northern Rescue.”

And as summer rolls on, he urges locals and visitors to Coromandel to take care, plan well and look out for one another.

Taylor says it is also timely to remind people that if a loved one or a member of the community requires urgent medical assistance, to call 111.

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