John Key

Wellington, April 25 NZPA - The deaths of three Air Force crew in an Anzac Day helicopter crash is shocking and saddening, Prime Minister John Key says.

The three crew members -- Flight Lieutenant Hayden Peter Madsen, 33, pilot; Flying Officer Daniel Stephen Gregory, 28, co-pilot; and Corporal Benjamin Andrew, 25, helicopter crewman -- were on an Airforce Iroquois helicopter which crashed shortly before 6am into hills near Pukerua Bay, about 40km north east of Wellington while.

The helicopter, from Ohakea Air Force Base, was to have taken part in an ANZAC Day flypast over Wellington to mark the 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915.

The surviving injured crewman was taken to hospital and was in a serious but stable condition.

Mr Key is at Gallipoli for Anzac Day to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the landings by Australian and New Zealand forces there.

He referred to the deaths in his speech there this evening NZT and also issued a statement.

"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," he said in the statement.

"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."

Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, who is also Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand, said the deaths were very sad.

"It is in the nature of military service that defence personnel are often called upon to serve in adverse circumstances. That this tragedy should occur on ANZAC Day when New Zealanders gather to remember those who have served and died in defence of our country is a bitter blow. That deep sense of loss will be most keenly felt by the RNZAF, with whose Ohakea Base I have had a number of connections.

"My wife Susan and I join with all New Zealanders in extending deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died. Our thoughts are also with the fourth crew member, news of whose welfare we will await with concern and hope."

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp told NZPA the news was a "devastating blow".

"It comes on top of tragedies already this year and late last year," Dr Mapp said referring to the deaths of Squadron Leader Nicholas Haydn who died when his CT4 Airtrainer crashed near Ohakea in January and Flight Sergeant Andrew Forster who died in November after an unexploded artillery shell detonated.

"It's a heavy blow, particularly on this day of all days... My aroha goes out to the families. You can't imagine."

Dr Mapp and Associate Minister Heather Roy intended to head to Ohakea tomorrow after people had had a chance to take in the news.

Dr Mapp apologised for an earlier comment at an Auckland service when he said four were dead rather than three, which was based on information provided by the Defence Force.

"We don't feel good about that. I certainly apologise for the hurt that may have caused."

Mrs Roy said the accident was a terrible reminder of the dangers Defence Force personnel faced.

Labour leader Phil Goff said today was a very sad occasion for the country.

"The Labour Party's thoughts go out to the families and friends of those who died and to the seriously injured person and their family," he said in a statement.

"Anzac Day is a day of sadness and poignancy for New Zealand and for this crash to occur today adds to this feeling."

Rangitikei MP Simon Power said the deaths were a terrible tragedy.

"I know the Rangitikei electorate and the Ohakea community will rally together to get through this trying time."

Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway said the crash would have an enormous impact on the tight knit Ohakea community.

"I know the community will rally to support those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy."