Sad Event Led To Creation Of Rescue Service

Late Wednesday morning, the Wellington, New Zealand-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter service paid its respects to the 53 people who lost their lives during the 1968 Wahine shipwreck disaster, by flying over Barrett's Reef and the flotilla commemorating the 40th anniversary.

Life Flight founder Peter Button was one of those who was at Seatoun Beach, helping passengers come ashore and watching in horror as the tragedy unfolded. At the time, Button was an amateur fixed-wing pilot who knew a helicopter would have helped save lives in that situation and thought "there has to be a better way."

So -- despite being a plumber with no financial backing and no helicopter's license -- Peter decided the Wellington region needed a rescue helicopter service and went about setting one up.

"The rescue helicopter and air ambulance services we have in place today are a true testament to what one man with a vision can do" says Life Flight General Manager Kevin Allan. "Today, along with all New Zealanders, our thoughts are with those whose lives were touched by the tragedy 40 years ago. Perhaps those who lost loved ones can take some comfort that over 20,000 people have been helped thanks to events witnessed by one man on April 10, 1968."

Today, Life Flight Trust operates the Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter and two fixed-wing air ambulances, one based in Auckland and one based in Wellington.

FMI: www.lifeflight.org.nz