Peter commenced flying in 1969, initially enjoying fixed wing aircraft flying, skiplanes near Mt Cook, and topdressing in South Canterbury. He caught the helicopter bug in 1974 and has focused mainly on them since. The variety of helicopter work has provided opportunities for travel within New Zealand and overseas... offshore oil support in Australia and the North Sea, Marine pilot transfers in South Africa, and seasonal cropspraying throughout UK.

"My family has grown up with the helicopter industry and enjoys the variety it has offered. Sixteen years with NEST has literally "flown" by and it is a pleasure to be associated with such an innovative and progressive organisation."

Dean commenced training as a pilot while working as an advanced paramedic for Wellington Free Ambulance and crewing the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. After working as a dedicated advanced paramedic for more than 20 years, Dean changed careers commencing as a co-pilot with NEST in 2004. Today he fly's as a captain and holds the position of Operation Manager for NEST.

While employed by NEST, Dean has been able to help out other rescue services in Rockhampton, Australia and in the Solomon Islands.

Dean also holds a fixed wing licence and is currently building a Vans RV7 aircraft in his garage.

A Kiwi who trained as a pilot in Australia in 1995. Working initially in Australia in tourism (scenic flights), stock mustering, gas pipeline patrolling and oil rig support.

On returning to New Zealand he was employed by NEST for 5 years before returning to Australia to once again fly oil rig support. Auckland was the next port of call for a 2 1/2 year stint with the rescue helicopter there, finally returning to NEST in 2009. He lives with his wife and two sons on a 40 acre lifestyle block on the edge of Whangarei.

Dan is a Christchurch lad who joined the RNZAF in 1995 as an 18 year old. Fifteen years in the Air Force saw him deployed to operations in Bougainville, Antarctica, Australia, Fiji and East Timor flying the venerable Huey. He was also lucky enough to be part of the Red Checkers display team before seeing the light and returning to the helicopter fold.

Dan left the RNZAF as an A Cat Instructor in Fixed and Rotary wing and joined NEST in May 2011.

Gary is originally from Lancashire in England. He started his flying career with the Royal Navy, ending up flying the Sea King MK4. He immigrated to New Zealnd eight years ago and converted his flying hours to gain his commercial licence. In his spare time Gary likes to play football, snow board, kite surf and attempt to learn French so that he can understand his children.

Gary has been working for NEST for the last three years.

It started as a childhood dream to fly however it was not until 2005 when Russell made a career change into the helicopter industry. Since 2005 Russell has worked throughout Australia and most recently worked as a media pilot for Channel 7 and 10 in Brisbane. Russell's most memorable flying experiences have been landing on charter boats in the Kimberleys, Cyclone community relief work and recently involved in News coverage for the Queensland flood disaster including Brisbane, Rockhampton, Emerald, St George and followed shortly by cyclone Yasi.

NEST welcomed Russell to the team in September 2011.

Elton grew up on a farm in the Thames Valley before taking up aviation in fixed wing, rotary wing and gyro-copters. A stint on the dark side with Air Traffic Control was short lived before Elton took up a position, fixed wing instructing in Tauranga and moonlighting on scenic flying in the Bell 47 (M.A.S.H. Helicopter). From there Elton instructed on helicopters at Ardmore before being selected as the first of the MEIFR (Multi-engine Instrument Rating) interns with NEST in July 2011.

Elton is the proud father of one year old twins - Corin and Alexis.

Michael Couchman started his apprenticeship with Wing & Rotor and finished with Hawker Pacific New Zealand. Although employed by Hawker Pacific, Michael is contracted fulltime, as resident engineer to NEST and lives in Whangarei. Michael has been working on the Sikorsky S76 helicopters for 8 years and plays an important role in keeping the helicopters flying.

Michael was born in Whangarei and enjoys being able to give back to the community where he grew up.