Statement from Tamaki Family

On behalf of the Tamaki family and whanau we would like to express our sincere thanks for the messages and well wishes received globally for the recovery of our daughter and sister, Helen Tamaki.

Helen is still critical and we are relieved to be at her bedside We have been overwhelmed with the support shown to us by salesforce.com (Helen's employer) the New Zealand Consulate-General, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

We are also thankful to New York City emergency services, NYPD, and the magnificent nurses and doctors at Bellevue hospital.

We are still grieving for the loss of Sonia Marra Nicholson as she was a huge part of our family.

This was a tragic accident and we are grateful for the prompt action and bravery of the pilot, Paul Dudley, who recovered Helen and Harriet from the scene.

The Tamaki and Nicholson families have had a close relationship for many years and both families are here supporting each other through this difficult time.

We would like to request that the media respect our privacy while we come to terms with what has happened.

ENDS

© Scoop Media