Ashley Wickman search: Police checked Eagle before $8200-an-hour rescue helicopter

Senior writer·NZ Herald·25 Aug, 2026 11:30 PM12 mins to read‌Gary and Danielle Wickman are seeking an open coroner's inquiry to answer questions about minutes lost in the search for their daughter, Ashley, 18, who died after a midnight swim at Uretiti Beach in Northland.New information reveals critical minutes were lost checking police’s Auckland-based Eagle helicopter while a Northland rescue helicopter capable of reaching Uretiti Beach in minutes was not put on standby. David Fisher reports. An invoice of $8200 an hour – that was the cost police faced for using the rescue helicopter