Pilot, passenger killed in Paekākāriki Hill helicopter crash named

Pilot and Passenger Killed in Helicopter Crash Named

The pilot and passenger killed in a helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill have been identified. Cole Christopher Ritchie, 25, from Wharepapa South, and Joseph Mark Keeley, 54, from Tauhara, were contractors working on Transmission Gully.

Inspector Renée Perkins highlighted the collaboration of emergency services, aviation authorities, local iwi, and regional partners in challenging terrain. The helicopter wreckage was removed on Friday, with support from police, Civil Aviation Authority, and Victim Support for affected families.