Northern Rescue Helicopter crews flew 130 missions across Northland and Auckland over 16 holiday days.

The Northland and Auckland-based crews carried out 111 missions from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Monday, January 5, 2026, then a further 19 flights on Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 7.

Chief Operating Officer Karl Taylor said the period was hectic, driven by serious road crashes, water and land-based accidents, medical complaints, and inter-hospital transfers.

Taylor also credited engineers, pilots and paramedics, and praised the way emergency services worked together during the rush.

“We are proud to stand alongside our fellow first responders and work for the good of the community day and night,” Taylor said.

He pointed to serious vehicle crashes in the Brynderwyns and the Far North, where patients were flown to hospitals in Northland and Auckland, with some in critical and serious condition.

Taylor said the Northland and Auckland rescue helicopter operations merged some years back and now operate as one combined service, with crews trained to the same level.

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