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Helicopters Otago owner Graeme Gale is over the moon about a new, all-weather helipad about to be developed on Stewart Island.
Mr Gale said his team was deeply grateful for the initiative.
"It is an absolute credit to the Islanders who had supported it," he said.
"This just puts the icing on the cake. It’s really what is needed. It’s 2022, not 1922."
The new pad would be much more than a slab of concrete a helicopter could land on, he said.
Pilots would no longer be landing in an unlit paddock in the middle of the night, as the dedicated emergency helipad would have enhanced safety features such as perimeter lighting.
Recently commissioned technology — linked IFR (instrument flight rules using a performance-based navigation system) would also allow for safer landings, prevent pilot disorientation and increase the range of operating conditions.
The high-level technology, capable of servicing late-generation aircraft, would enhance safety in the region.
The new facility would match helipads elsewhere in Otago and Southland.
"When you come out of the clouds at 350ft above sea level in the middle of the bay, you want everything going for you, you have got for that final landing point."
The new pad would reduce the risk of teams slipping on wet grass surfaces while transferring critical patients and medical teams to and from the helicopter.
"Paramedics, nurses and doctors have a big enough role looking after patients, particularly when it’s dark and horrible — it reduces that risk completely."
Stewart Island Community Board chairman Jon Sproggan said the helipad installation was a welcome addition to the island’s emergency facilities and had the full support of the community after the idea was first discussed about two years ago.
The new helipad, which is estimated to cost about $60,000, was planned for a better location than privately owned site being used as present, which it would supercede.
"It’s right beside the road, outside the police station ... it will not be allowed to be used for commercial operations."
Equipment and materials had been ordered and it was hoped earthworks would start this month.
Funding for the helipad has been received from the Stewart Island visitor levy, Sanford Salmon and Community Trust South, as well as other businesses and individuals.
Toni McDonald