Thread: East Kaweka Helicopters closing down

Just received this from Chris, instructions on how to keep your booking etc A real good guy!

To East Kaweka Helicopter Customers,


This email has been sent to you to let you know that as from the 1st of April 2022 East Kaweka Helicopters Ltd will no longer be flying clients into the back country and will shortly thereafter cease operating permanently.



It is with deep regret that this decision has been made and the primary reason is due to the threat of covid and the complications that arise when staff members contract covid and therefore can not carry out duties. At any one time during April, East Kaweka Helicopters may have dozens of parties in the hills and there could be a high possibility that these parties may not be able to be picked up for some days. Being a smaller operation with at times only one or two pilots flying, we do not have the capacity to run separate operations to allow for cover when a staff member becomes unwell.



This being the second time in three years that we will not be able to operate in our busy period, in conjunction with ever increasing running and compliance costs, means our small operation is no longer viable.



We would like to take this opportunity to also thank you for the support you have given us over the years and we will always value the great friendships we have made.



For those parties who have bookings in place for the Kaweka Forest Park these are still in place and can be utilised by flying with another operator.



Please refer to the link below for helicopter operators:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...rs/hawkes-bay/



Whether you choose to fly into the Kaweka Forest Park as planned or if you decide not to, can you please email the Napier DOC Office: napier@doc.govt.nz and advise your intentions giving the hut /campsite, dates and party name under which the booking was made. Also give the name of the helicopter operator you intend to fly with.



For those parties that have bookings for the Ruahine Forest Park please contact the Manawatu DOC Office: manawatu@doc.govt.nz and advise your intentions giving the hut /campsite, dates and party name under which the booking was made. Also give the name of the helicopter operator you intend to fly with.



For the Ahimanawa blocks unfortunately because this is private land access can not be given.



Once again we are very sorry we can no longer provide the service we have over the years and again thanks for the support you have given us.



Could you please respond to this email by return email so we know that you have received this communication. Please don’t try and contact us by phone as we will be very busy working through the current situation.



The Team at East Kaweka Helicopters