Air Rescue
Air Rescue
Air Rescue

About Air Rescue and Community Services

Air Rescue Services Ltd was incorporated in February 2002 for the purpose of operating gaming machines to raise funds for distribution to charitable purposes.

Air Rescue Services Ltd began operating in 2003 at two venues in Christchurch with a total of 36 gaming machines. It now operates 530 machines at 33 venues throughout the Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, Hawkes Bay, and Auckland regions. (For full details, please refer to Member Venues)

Net proceeds from the operation of gaming machines at Air Rescue Services Ltd's member venues are returned in the form of grants to charitable and community organisations in the Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, Hawkes Bay, Auckland regions of New Zealand. The company’s primary funding objective is to assist in the provision and development of rescue and medical equipment and services in the Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, Hawkes Bay, Auckland regions. However, grants are also made to other community groups and organisations that qualify for grant assistance under the company’s legislated Authorised Purpose and it is to reflect this wider community involvement that in 2010, the company's trading identity was extended to Air Rescue and Community Services.

In the year to 30 June 2023, Air Rescue Services Ltd distributed $18,545,576.00 to authorised purposes. For details of Grant Distributions please Click Here

Air Rescue and Community Services operates in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003, and is governed by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.


Annual Review

Air Rescue and Community Services conducted an annual review of its criteria, methods, systems and policies for the distribution of net proceeds on 28th September 2023.

The Directors resolved to continue to apply the current criteria, methods, systems and policies for net proceeds distribution, to effectively maximise returns to the rescue helicopter service through Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, and to ensure the even distribution of funding for other charitable or community organisations within the company's operating areas.

Please Click here for the 2023 Annual Report

Financial Controls

Air Rescue and Community Services applies strict financial control systems to monitor performance and maximise returns to authorised purpose. Financial control systems and reporting are set by the Directors in accordance with the company's chartered accountants. The company also submits to an independent annual audit of its financial accounts, practices and control systems.