Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has become a principal sponsor of Life Flight, providing a fleet of Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to support the organisation’s life-saving work throughout New Zealand– further extending the company’s community partnership programme.

Expanding on a team ethos that great vehicles should serve a greater good, the new partnership reflects MMNZ’s continued commitment to equipping frontline organisations with the practical tools required to serve New Zealanders in urgent need.

“We are proud supporters of a number of local charities, and we considered Life Flight to be a natural fit as a partner,” said Tony Johnston, MMNZ Chief Operating Officer. “Not just because of the amazing work it does in the community, but also because the service has touched a number of our own staff directly.”

In 2024, MMNZ Senior Analyst Programmer Barry Gratton received critical care from Life Flight following a sudden cardiac arrest.

“I was incredibly fortunate that Nigel, a Life Flight Critical Care Flight Paramedic, was quickly on hand to start advanced life support. Over the next 90 minutes, he kept me alive and stabilised me to the point I could be transported to hospital. After a month-long stay and open-heart surgery, I returned home with a new appreciation of the skill and dedication shown by these incredible first responders.”

Gratton is one of many thankful Kiwis. Every week, 32 people of all ages rely on the services provided by Life Flight. Whether it’s a critically ill baby, a serious accident, or a remote medical emergency, Life Flight crews are ready 24/7.

“The fact that one in five missions involves a baby or child in urgent need meant there was no question that we needed to step up,” said Johnston. “In conjunction with our Wellington-based Mitsubishi Motors dealers, we are truly committed to helping Life Flight in their critical work.”

Helping the fleet taking flight

A fleet of Outlander PHEVs will be supplied and maintained for urgent transfers between Life Flight’s base at Wellington Airport and Wellington Regional Hospital, supported by a group of local dealers, with the initial tranche of vehicles being supplied by Gazley Mitsubishi, Delaney Mitsubishi, Brendan Foot Mitsubishi and Wairarapa Mitsubishi. 

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mitsubishi New Zealand and their local dealerships to help ensure we keep our aeromedical teams flying 24/7, 365-days-a-year,” said Mark Johnston, Life Flight Chief Executive.

“We’re also really excited to be transitioning into the latest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, as many of our journeys by road are over relatively short distances.”

The Outlander PHEVs, which have an EV range of up to 84km*, will also be used by Life Flight Support Teams to assist with community fundraising and public outreach across the region.

“Their eye-catching branding will provide increased visibility in the wider Wellington region, further highlighting the reach of our life-saving services,” added Life Flight’s Johnston.