Shy - that's because you are much older than me
When I joined in 82 the Whirlwind had gone and the Wessex and Sea King were the only SAR options - it must have been different in the 50s
Nigel - your viewpoint only works if the rescue is successful - if it isn't, or worse there are more casualties as a result, then the brave hero becomes the foolhardy idiot.
If you had a choice between waiting a few hours in pain for a fully equipped and crewed rescue helicopter or letting a 'have-a-go-hero' in a flimsycopter try to get you, who might well total himself and you in the process.
Just because the Kiwis don't have proper SAR cover for their A-level scenery doesn't mean it is best practice.