We provide Northland’s only air ambulance rescue operation, servicing the longest length of coastline in New Zealand. At the highest level, NEST is owned by the people of Northland, and everything we do is to help Northlanders. Our pilots predominantly respond to accidents and medical emergencies, while also transferring patients to hospitals in the region and to Auckland for urgent and essential treatment. We assist ACC, regional hospitals, St John, the Fire Service, Police and RCCNZ, helping transport people quickly to medical facilities around Northland. Over the past 29 years we have come to the assistance of more than 19,000 patients and we are currently one of the busiest operators in the country, transporting over 900 patients last year. NEST is only partially funded by crown health agencies, leaving the Trust to find sponsors and donors from the community to fund approximately 25% ($1.5 million) of its operating costs. NEST is a vital yet under-funded service that is dedicated to saving the lives of Northlander’s.