The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew is calling on community support to help raise $102,000 for three pairs of cutting‑edge E3 Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) –technology that will dramatically improve safety and effectiveness during night-time rescue missions.
The upgrade is critical for a service operating across the rugged Central Plateau andLakes District, where fast-changing weather, steep landscapes, and remote terrain often make missions especially challenging after dark, a spokesperson for the rescue helicopter said.
“Saving lives like Mike’s – who was stranded after nightfall on the Tongariro River, battling the onset of hypothermia when a three‑hour kayak trip went wrong – until the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew came to his aid."
The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew was able to locate and save him – but night missions like his remain among the most demanding for pilots and crew, a spokesperson said.
The new E3 NVGs use advanced white phosphor image intensifier technology, producing clearer, high‑contrast imagery. Unlike traditional green-spectrum goggles, the white phosphor visuals give crews a sharper and more natural view of hazards such as ridgelines, tall trees, low cloud, and rough backcountry terrain – improving navigation and decision‑making in some of the region’s most complex flying environments.
Air Crew Officer Bondy wearing night vision goggles. Photo / PSRT
The goggles also offer a full, rimless field of vision, giving pilots and crew unobstructed sightlines and better situational awareness during delicate manoeuvres.
Comfort and reliability
Beyond improved clarity, the E3 NVGs are engineered for long-duration missions. Their lightweight build helps reduce neck and eye strain, meaning crew can safely operate for longer without fatigue – an essential advantage during lengthy or late‑night rescues.
With fewer mechanical parts and reduced maintenance demands, the new goggles also offer long-term reliability. For a rescue service that must be ready at a moment’s notice, that dependability is crucial.
The rescue helicopter during a night mission to Tūrangi. Photo / PSRT
Community support needed
Funding the three new pairs of NVGs will ensure the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter team can continue to deliver life-saving services in the most demanding conditions. Every contribution brings the crew closer to having the equipment they need to operate as safely and effectively as possible.
