The Department of Conservation (DOC) is rallying around family and colleagues of the staff who died in a helicopter crash this morning in Wanaka.

The helicopter, with two DOC staff on board, was on its way to undertake tahr control in the Haast area when it crashed.

Director General Lou Sanson says he is devastated by the news today and knew all involved. This is a tragedy for our staff who are like family and are passionate about the work they do.

DOC’s focus is to support the families and staff as they go through this tough time. Lou Sanson is on his way to the region this afternoon.

“We are still trying to come to terms with this morning’s tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of the DOC workers involved.”

DOC will be liaising closely with the police and will not be commenting further at this stage.

The tahr control operation has been put on hold while DOC focuses on the wider DOC family.

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