Photo: RNZThe pilot and passenger killed in a helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill last week have been named. The pair were pest control contractors working on Transmission Gully. Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said emergency services, aviation authorities, local iwi and regional partners have worked closely in extremely challenging terrain. The helicopter wreckage was removed on Friday. Perkins said police, Civil Aviation Authority and Victim Support are supporting the families affected.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 02, 2026 19:35 UTC