A special delivery for a good cause. This was the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) mission when it delivered five specialized medical chairs to Samoa using a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft.
The medical chairs, specially designed for patients receiving chemotherapy or dialysis treatment, were donated by Christchurch’s Forté Health Hospital, and the delivery was facilitated by Rotary New Zealand.
According to the RNZAF, the Hercules left Base Auckland on March 19, 2025 on its way to the United States, with a scheduled stop in Faleolo International Airport (APW), in Apia, Samoa, to deliver the chairs.
The medical chairs are much needed in Samoa, where 31.0% of adult women and 26.9% of adult men are diagnosed with diabetes. The tiny island nation with a population of over 216,000, has among the highest rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in the world, a crisis seen as early as the 1970s. The entire nation of Samoa only has two main hospitals, and 11 rural health facilities/clinics. The donated chairs will likely be used in the main hospital in Apia.
“We know the donation of these day-stay chairs, along with our many other donations over the years, make an enormous difference to healthcare staff, patients and communities across the Pacific. It’s pretty special,” said Forté Hospital Manager, Angela Ross.
“In situations where we have spare capacity it is a great way of helping our Pacific neighbours,” said No. 40 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Brad Scott, adding that he is pleased the squadron could lend a helping hand.
“To be able to offer to move the chairs that will benefit people in need is a fantastic opportunity and we are happy to be able to support charities such as Rotary New Zealand and Forté Health Hospital with the flight,” Scott added.
