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

Shit

Sent from my SM-G996B using Tapatalk

Shit, shit, shit.

@hebe this effect you

Bugger. The loss of another good supporter of hunting!

First flew with him to BRB in 07. A true back country man. Ive often wondered how he coped with all the PC bullshit and H&S regulations which have steadily gotten worse. Not to mention compliance costs. Mind you im picking it wont bother him being unemployed in April/May after years at the grindstone.

Just recieved it too. Feel sorry for Chris and his team.

Hab big plans in the Ahimanawa too for this year.

That's a shocker, Chris is a hell of a nice guy, him and his team both accommodating and engaging - very sad to see their operation closing

yeah really crap, chris was awesome!

Bugger.

Dam big loss there, feel for Chris and the team its 100% hard to work around.

Hopefully in more "normal" times they can get back into flying pre covid.

unfortunately there is many many company's who just cant make it through this year its very sad to see.

Originally Posted by bigbear

@hebe this effect you

Yeah, but I’m more sad about not seeing the yellow robbie in the hills anymore than having to change roar plans.
This is a big loss for the Kawekas in general. Not sure that theres many people that have been as involved with the park as Chris.

Shit, flew with him last weekend, I knew he was having a CAA audit this week, no hint he was closing down.
If you read this Chris, you, Lauren, Fi and the rest of the EKH will be sorely missed by the hunting community.

A crying shame. Mainly thinking about Chris. But me too. That personal contact - the impulsive pick up of the 'phone and off - feeling that you were important - flexibility. Much more.

It's grim but I wish Chris and his team all the very best for the future. They made a good mark.