Two Department of Conservation staff were among the three people killed in the helicopter crash near Wanaka, with the department rallying around the victims' families and colleagues.
The third person killed was understood to be pilot Nick Wallis, according to the NZ Herald.
Wallis is the brother of Matthew Wallis, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Lake Wanaka three months ago.
The helicopter was on its way to undertake tahr control in the Haast area when it crashed.
Director General Lou Sanson, who knew the victims, is traveling to Wanaka this afternoon.
"We are still trying to come to terms with this morning’s tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of the DOC workers involved," he said.
DOC will be liaising closely with the police.
The Conservation Minister described the helicopter crash as “an absolute tragedy”.
The tahr control operation has been put on hold to focus on the DOC family, the department said.
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