The death of Wanaka ranger Paul Hondelink in yesterday's tragic helicopter crash near Wanaka Airport has been called a "huge" loss for the Department of Conservation.
Hondelink, who had 47 years experience as a ranger, was one of three people killed in the crash yesterday morning, along with pilot Nick Wallis and another DoC worker.
DoC Director-General Lou Sanson paid tribute to Hondelink, Wallis and the other DoC worker in an emotional interview on RNZ this morning.
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"We just lost so much. These are some of the most experienced people in the world.