Police officers on guard near the scene of the crash.
Photo: RNZ/ Charlotte Cook
This is a developing story and is being updated
Emergency services are responding to a helicopter crash in the Paekākāriki Hill area, north of Wellington.
Police said they were notified at 7.30am by an activation of an automated crash alert.
A map from Wednesday morning shows a rescue helicopter searching the area.
Photo: Flightradar24
Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre is coordinating the search efforts. It told RNZ search efforts in the area were “ongoing”.
A spokesperson said two rescue helicopters and police were at the scene, and support from Fire and Emergency was being organised.
NZME is reporting Fire and Emergency had sent two crews from Porirua, along with their “line rescue team”.
Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook
Also known as rope rescue personnel, they are trained in high-angle, vertical, or challenging terrain, often handling rescues at height or in confined spaces.
The newly appointed police Assistant Commissioner – currently DistrictCommander – Corrie Parnell has arrived on site.
RNZ understands authorities are currently in meetings and they are struggling to access the site because of the area and ground.
While helicopters have been in the air this morning, an RNZ reporter at the scene says Flight Radar is no longer showing helicopters in the area.
A helicopter flies over the search scene.
Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook
Rapid relief teams are also at the scene.
The search area is near Pukerua Bay where three people died in a crash involving an Air Force helicopter on Anzac Day in 2010.
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