Born and raised in Gisborne, Max Neustroski returned home in 2023 to take up the role of Crew/Paramedic with the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter. A keen sportsman and surf lifesaver, Max spent eight years as a Defence Force Medic with the Royal New Zealand Navy when, as well as completing his Bachelor of Health Sciences (Paramedicine), he undertook two tours of duty to Antarctica.