"We were deeply sorry to learn yesterday of the helicopter accident at Wanaka,’ said John Nicholson, Chief Executive of Aviation New Zealand.

The Wallis family has a long history with the development of aviation in New Zealand and are highly respected for the contribution they have made.

Unfortunately this accident also had wider repercussions with the deaths of two Department of Conservation employees.

Aviation NZ has a close relationship with the Department of Conservation, which is one of the largest customers for the helicopter industry in New Zealand.

This accident will hit the families and the Wanaka, aviation and Department of Conservation communities hard. Events such as this do not seem fair.

Scott McKenzie, Chair of the New Zealand Helicopter Association joins me and all our members in extending our deepest sympathies to Nick’s wife and two daughters, Sir Tim and Lady Pru and the families, friends and colleagues of the three so tragically killed.

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