Tararua Heliwork

Tararua Heliwork is a locally owned and operated helicopter company in the lower North Island of New Zealand, based in Pahiatua. It was established in 2007 and is owned by its shareholders Alix, Mike, Janine and Brenda. The team serves the commercial and agricultural sectors and also offers scenic flights and weddings.

Services

• Agricultural work: spraying, fertiliser spreading and frost control
• Lifting and transport, including power line work
• Fire lighting and fire fighting
• Hunting and fishing access
• Scenic flights over the Tararua and Manawatu regions, with local commentary from pilots
• Aerial photography and weddings
• Drone services, including drone spraying and drone fertilising

Aircraft

The company operates a UH-1H (Huey), described on its site as its latest addition and suited to fertiliser spreading and heavy lifting, a Bell 206 JetRanger and a drone.

Bases and team

The main base is in Pahiatua. A second base at Dannevirke Aerodrome supports clients in Dannevirke and surrounding districts. The chief pilot is Alix Chittock, and the company says its pilots have a combined 13,000 flying hours. The site also lists a yard manager, ground crew and further pilots.

Safety and accreditation

• Regularly audited by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
• Pilots hold Commercial Pilot Licences and an in-house Safety Officer oversees operations
• AIRCARE accreditation and accreditation as an Aerial Spreader against the Fertiliser Code of Practice

Company facts

• Established 2007
• Base hours: Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekends by arrangement
• Bases: Pahiatua and Dannevirke Aerodrome