19 October 2018

A helicopter crash near Wanaka has claimed the lives of pilot Nick Wallis and Department of Conservation staff Paul Hondelink and Scott Theobold.

These men have made a huge contribution to conservation over an extended period. We thank them for all they have done and recognise the enormous gaps their departure will create.

They were continuing that conservation tradition when their lives were cruelly cut short, commencing a programme jointly developed by the Department and the hunting community to cull tahr. We were grateful to have such highly experienced and effective people to implement the programme.

The Game Animal Council is deeply saddened by this immense loss and extends its deepest condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

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