The Full Story
About
We started Heart Starter because too many lives in New Zealand are lost to sudden cardiac arrest simply due to time and access. Every year, more than 2,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and with survival rates sitting around just 10–11%, the difference between life and death often comes down to the first few minutes. Most of these events happen at home, making immediate CPR and rapid access to an AED critical—yet too many communities still don’t have one nearby. Heart Starter was created to change that, with a clear goal of ensuring an AED can be reached within three minutes of anyone who need it.
Vision
By providing AEDs, first aid supplies, and supporting training across our communities, we aim to empower everyday people to act confidently in an emergency, reduce inequities—particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples—and ultimately save lives where it matters most.
Mission
Heart Starter exists to save lives by ensuring every person in New Zealand can access an AED and lifesaving support within three minutes, empowering communities with the tools, training, and confidence to act in a cardiac emergency.
