Hanmer Springs Emergency Helipad Project 

HELIPAD FUNDRAISER UPDATE – 2nd February 2026

🎉 We’ve hit $54,573 for the Helipad Project! 🎉

Thanks to our amazing community, businesses, and visitors for this incredible support! 🙏
(Most donations went directly to our bank and aren’t reflected on the Givealittle page.)

Next steps:
The helipad location is finalised and approved. Plans should be ready by 20th February, after which we’ll invite quotes from tradespeople.

We’re still accepting donations:

When every minute counts, safe and fast access to emergency care can make all the difference.

Help us make that difference and make a donation today.

This is a local effort with a local impact. Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, a holiday homeowner, or a visitor who loves Hanmer Springs, your support will help us build something truly lifesaving.

• Donate through our Givealittle Page: Donate here

• Or direct into our Bank account: Hanmer Springs Community Trust 02-0876-0132702-01

All funds go to the helipad. Any surplus will be used for future maintenance.

 REQUIRE A DONATION RECEIPT?

Please email hscommunitytrust@gmail.com  and provide the following information.

• the full name of the person who donated
• the amount of money donated
• the date of the donation or tax year the donation was made (for example, 31 March XXXX)

Helipad Project

Hanmer Springs Community Trust is developing a dedicated emergency helipad and a concrete pathway connecting it directly to the Hanmer Springs Health Centre.

The project will improve emergency medical responses for both residents and the many visitors to our village. It will help save lives.

Why it matters 

Currently, rescue helicopters land on the Hanmer Springs Sports Reserve, which can cause delays and add risk in bad weather or at night. The new helipad will: 

• Provide a safe, paved, and well-lit landing area 

• Enable more reliable and timely patient transfers 

• Support landings in low-visibility conditions via Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) 

• Reduce the need for volunteer fire crews to assist with night landings 

• Help emergency teams deliver critical care more effectively 

In 2024 alone, there were 26 rescue missions to Hanmer Springs. With the new helipad, that number could increase by up to 20%, thanks to improved access in challenging conditions. 

Community support 

The total project cost is estimated to be $100,000-$120,000. While we expect a significant amount of the funding will come from major donors, there will be a public campaign to raise the remaining amount.  

We’re also proud to partner with Nduro Events, the team contracted to manage both the Hanmer Half and the Hanmer Springs Adventure Run on behalf of Hanmer Events, which is owned by the Hanmer Springs Community Trust. Proceeds from their next event, the Hanmer Springs Adventure Run on 17 January 2026, will support the ongoing development of the helipad and other local initiatives.

Voices from the frontline 

“When someone’s seriously unwell or injured, every minute counts. The helicopter can get us to Christchurch Hospital in about 35 minutes — compared to two hours by road. That time saving can make all the difference.”  

– Juliet, Critical Care Paramedic and Hanmer Springs Resident. 

“A dedicated helipad means patients can be flown directly to hospital without delay, giving them the best chance at survival and recovery. In emergencies like heart attacks, every minute counts – stabilising treatment is just the first step; rapid hospital access is critical.” 

– Charlie Ballam, Clinician, Hanmer Springs Health Centre