Returning to New Zealand after four years of living in Switzerland, Chris and his wife were looking for somewhere new to live, having always enjoyed visiting New Plymouth they settled on calling the Taranaki home.
With a lifelong passion for flying and 12 years’ experience working as a helicopter pilot for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, joining the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter crew was an obvious choice for Chris.
Coming on board, Chris thought the flying would be the most satisfying part of the job, but quickly realised there was something special about helping people.
‘It is seeing the look of relief on people’s faces when you arrive to pick them up and knowing that we are helping people when they need it the most’.
He was also blown away and moved by the amazing community they discovered when moving to Taranaki, particularly how much everyone loves and appreciates the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter here.
‘I’ve had people shake my hand, buy me coffee, and tell me they love me (more the helicopter I think). Has taken a little bit of getting used to’.
Hailing from the UK but growing up in New Zealand, Chris has spent time living in some beautiful places including Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatu and further afield overseas. But he absolutely loves the unique feel of New Plymouth – with two little dogs, Chris and his wife, enjoy exploring the many different dog walking areas Taranaki has to offer.
‘Everyone has something positive to say about the region, have yet to meet someone who does not like living here’!
His love of helicopters and vehicles in general extends beyond flying the real thing, outside of work Chris loves building model helicopters, planes, and cars – but with it a twist, it can only be ones he has owned or used in real life.
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