John Key

Wellington, April 25 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key is cutting his trip to Turkey short following the deaths of three Air Force crew in an Anzac Day helicopter crash.

Flying Officer Daniel Stephen Gregory, 28, Corporal Benjamin Andrew Carson, 25, and Flight Lieutenant Hayden Peter Madsen, 33, were killed when an Airforce Iroquois helicopter crashed shortly before 6am into hills near Pukerua Bay, about 40km north east of Wellington while on its way from Ohakea to Anzac memorial services in the city.

Mr Key, who was in Turkey for Anzac Day commemorations, had planned to join a trade delegation to Bahrain and Kuwait, but was now planning to return to New Zealand, his office said.

He hoped to be back in the country by Tuesday morning and to attend the men's funerals.

"I am shocked and saddened by this tragic event. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, the family of the injured man, and the entire New Zealand Defence Force," Mr Key said in a statement earlier today.

"To have this happen when the helicopter was heading to Wellington for an Anzac Day flypast is an absolute tragedy.

"I am sure that all New Zealanders will join with me in offering the families of the victims, and the Defence Force, our deepest condolences."

Speaking at the dawn service in Gallipoli today, Mr Key stressed the significance of Anzac Day as not only a day of remembrance, but as a day of national unity.

"This campaign stands in memory for New Zealand, as well as Australia, as playing an important part in fostering a sense of national identity," he said.

"It is also important today for us to remember and commemorate the bravery and the sacrifice of all those who have served their nation at a time of war. In particular, to remember those who have not returned.

"Today we stand together in peace, former foes now old friends, united in honouring them."