Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw

Police co-ordinating the search for a missing helicopter and pilot have requested the assistance of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The Police National Dive Squad has established what appears to be the wreckage of the aircraft, about 47 metres below the surface of Lake Wanaka.

We have asked for the Navy’s expertise and specialist equipment, which can operate in deeper waters.

A team of Navy underwater search specialists is due to arrive in the area later this afternoon to liaise with Police and make an assessment of the scene.

It is anticipated that the operation will be run from a large barge positioned in Stevensons Arm.

The helicopter and its pilot, 39-year-old Matthew Wallis, went missing at lunchtime on Saturday.

Since then, Police, LandSAR, Coastguard boats and Police divers have been searching for the helicopter and Mr Wallis.

Police are continuing to liaise with the family to ensure they are kept up to date with developments.

ENDS

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