Life Flight Trust has been a patron of New Zealand Governor’s-General since the time of Sir Paul Reeves. Dame Patsy and Sir David went to visit Life Flight’s base at Wellington Airport to hear about the work they do to help critically ill and injured people get to specialist care around the country. They also provide search and rescue support both on land and at sea.
The Life Flight trust was created by Peter Button as a result of the sinking of the Wahine in 1968, as that tragedy highlighted to him the real need for emergency rescue helicopters. Today, they predominantly service the Wellington region and the top of the South Island with search and rescue helicopters, air ambulances and emergency patient transfers. On average they fly around 4 patients a day, and can be in the air as quick as 10 minutes after receiving a call.
While visiting Life Flight, Dame Patsy was presented with a customary gift given to all Governor's-General since Sir Paul. As Government House is right next door to Wellington Hospital, which is a frequent stop for the Life Flight helicopter, they like to gift the residing Governor-General some ear muffs to help with the noise!
