The body of a pilot has been recovered from the Omaru Valley in the Central North Island high country after his helicopter crashed.
Mark Duncan Didsbury, aged 39, from the Wairarapa, was located at approximately 11.30 this morning. This afternoon his body was airlifted out of the valley and he has now been formally identified.
Police staff have remained at the scene throughout the afternoon working alongside inspectors from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission who will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
There will be no further police comment.