A GCH Aviation air rescue crew has been recognised with a national search and rescue award for a challenging helicopter rescue on Mount Rolleston in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

The Christchurch based crew received a Certificate of Achievement in the Operational Activity category at the New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards, presented at Parliament in Wellington last week.

The award recognised the team’s role in rescuing a person from Mount Rolleston in March 2025.

GCH Aviation Chief Executive Andrew Currie said the recognition reflected the crew’s professionalism and teamwork.

“There are moments that remind us why we do what we do, and this is one of them,” Currie said.

“I was proud to see our team represent GCH Aviation at Parliament as they received a New Zealand Search and Rescue Award. Their recognition is richly deserved and reflects the exceptional skill, teamwork and professionalism they brought to that operation.”

Currie said the award also recognised the wider team behind every rescue mission.

“What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they are never about just one crew or one mission,” he said.

“Every successful rescue is the result of countless people working together, from our pilots, medics and winch operators to our engineers, operations staff, coordinators, administration teams, partner agencies, and the families who support our people.”

GCH Aviation was also nominated for two other rescue operations. One involved the overnight shelter, medical care and rescue of an injured tramper in Kahurangi National Park in December 2025. The other recognised the rescue of a man and two dogs stranded on top of a vehicle in floodwaters near Motueka in June 2025.

Currie said the company’s crews remained focused on helping people rather than seeking recognition.

“What has always impressed me most is not just the skill of our people, but their humility,” he said.

“They don’t seek recognition, they simply focus on doing the job to the highest possible standard.”

GCH Aviation has provided air rescue, search and rescue, and emergency response services across Canterbury and the West Coast for more than 40 years, and in Nelson Marlborough for 30 years. Over that time, its crews have responded to thousands of medical emergencies, search and rescue operations, flood rescues, remote recoveries and patient transfers.