Rescue helicopter pilot Steve Oliver destined for life in the skiesOLIVER FAMILY Steve Oliver, the first pilot for the Palmerston North rescue helicopter trust, with wife Vivien and daughter Caitlin. It seems weirdly fitting Steve Oliver's first solo flight ended in injury, considering his future career as a rescue helicopter pilot. The first pilot for the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter Trust, he saved countless lives through his work both around Manawatū and for rescue helicopter trusts in Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland. He was still flying for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust when, just before Christmas, he was told he had stomach cancer. He managed to get one final flight after his death, with the TECT Rescue Helicopter taking him from his Katikati home to his funeral.

Source: Stuff February 23, 2018 08:26 UTC