Life Flight

Peter Button

Peter Button

1929

A boy was born next to the runway in Wellington, his name was Peter Button. He grew up watching planes and helping out at the local fire station.

From that runway, Peter’s passion for flying became a vision for a better way for New Zealand.

Plumber to pilot

A lasting partnership begins

1981

Thanks to the initiative of PR Manager, Bill Day, the Commercial Bank of Australia (later becoming Westpac) begins sponsorship of the rescue helicopter.

Tragedy

Tragedy strikes

1987

Peter Button, Ronald Woolf, and Dion Savage tragically die in a helicopter crash while tracking an escaped prisoner.

Peter was only 58 years old.

LF Trust

Community rallies behind Life Flight

Donations poured in to continue Peter’s vision. And it is thanks to the generosity of the community that Life Flight continues saving lives today.