Christmas Cheer Flight 2011

Koru Care Christchurch were privileged to be able to select 40 children to join other Cantabtrians and experience some early Christmas cheer with a special festive flight operated by Air New Zealand.

A Boeing 777-200ER aircraft turned into a unique Christmas “sleigh” for the children of Christchurch, gifting them a special scenic flight down to the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook area and back.

Air New Zealand Chief Pilot Captain David Morgan piloted the flight, and those travelling had the rare opportunity to accompany him on his pre-flight walk around the aircraft. Face-painted children mingled with elves and fairies before making their way up the tinsel-decorated stairs to the aircraft for the special excursion.

The entire Business Premier cabin at the front of the aircraft was filled with children specially chosen by Koru Care Christchurch. They particularly enjoyed meeting Captain Morgan in the Fight Deck, stretching out the lie-flat beds and chatting with the fabulous Cabin Crew who made them feel incredibly important. Surprises on board for Koru Care Children included carol singers, Dave Fitzgerald from Classic Hits, Andrew Leckie (who recently won his boxing bout in "Fight for Life" for Koru Care Christchurch) and an unexpected drop-in from Santa and six little helpers who distributed sack-loads of sweets and other goodies.

Captain Morgan said the airline was keen to grab the opportunity to do something special for the Christchurch community in the lead-up to Christmas.

As always, Koru Care’s aim is to give children an experience of a lifetime, assisting them to forget for a short time, their serious medical problems and enjoy themselves.

Koru Care Trip 2011 to USA

In late October 2011, after the Rugby World Cup final, 24 Koru Care children flew out of Christchurch on a two week expedition to California. What fun they had, what a great experience - Disneyland, Sea world, San Diego Zoo, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, California Highway Patrol, Ice Hockey at the Staples Centre, a visit to Madame Tussauds, were all part of the awesome trip. From the very beginning we felt very special when we were treated to a party in the Koru Lounge, and a special visit from the Air New Zealand cabin crew, dressed up for Halloween.

Sunshine followed us around Southern California, and we saw the rain only once.

When in Hollywood we saw the preparations for a premier of ‘Edgar J Hoover’ this included a ‘real red carpet’, which they were vacuuming pre Leonardo di Caprio taking the walk. Unfortunately our schedule meant that we had to leave before the stars turned up, but we did see the ‘red carpet’! However, some of our Koru Care children saw Snoop Dog at Sea world, others saw Hodges (from Bones) in Disneyland and when we were at LA airport we all saw the back view of Hugh Laurie (aka HOUSE); so we didn’t miss out completely!

As carers it was a privilege to spend time with this outstanding group of young Cantabrians.

September 2011

Congratulations to our Patron Andy Ellis and the All Blacks

Koru Care Christchurch congratulates our Patron All Black Andy Ellis and the rest of the All Black team, on a fantastic job bringing home the Webb Ellis Trophy.

We are so proud of you guys, well done!!!!!

May 2011

Discovery Astronauts meet the People of Christchurch at Hanger No. 5

Koru Care Christchurch were grateful for the opportunity to raise their profile at this once in a lifetime event.

Hugo, Ben, Ryan and Giles (budding little astronauts in photos below) joined over 500 other Cantabrians in the Hanger to hear the fantastic presentation by Discovery astronauts - Eric Boe, Nicole Stott, Steve Lindsey, Michael Barratt, Alvin Drew and Steve Bowen. These six astronauts took us all on an out of this world journey, reflecting on what it is like to live and work in Space, to boldly go where few men have gone before. Alvin decribed it as a "wild ride" and all six agreed you can never get bored up in space. Photos and a video (complete with Star Trek soundtrack) were part of the presentation. All were happy to see the shot of Hamilton (including their banner), but were even more delighted to see the fabulous photo of our Banks Peninsula from Space, see photo below.

The astronauts answered many questions from the floor and before departing took time to sign autographs and have photos taken. What a once in a lifetime opportunity for all those present!!!

Special thanks to Tech Ops for their continued support of Koru Care Christchurch

Air New Zealand Hanger 1 Open Day - 2nd April

The Air NZ Open Day at the Christchurch Airport's hanger #1 was a great success. Koru Care Christchurch had a great presence and welcomed many children from local schools to view the wonderful exhibition of the All Black painted plane and the superb new Boeing 777-300 and other aircraft on show.

Koru Care Christchurch says a very special thanks to Air New Zealand, and in particular the fantastic Tech Ops Crew for including us in the day.