Garden City Helicopters, operating as Wellington Helicopters, will take over the wharf space and buildings formerly used by Helipro.

Ian Pike, Manager of the Council’s City Shaper unit (formerly Wellington Waterfront), says Garden City Helicopters is a reputable and highly experienced aviation company with facilities in Christchurch, Greymouth and Nelson. Among other services, it operates the Canterbury-West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough region’s air rescue and air ambulance services.

Mr Pike says as part of the Waterfront Development Plan, currently being consulted on, it is proposed a new upgraded helicopter facility to be constructed on the southern end of the Queens Wharf outer-T. He says Garden City Helicopters is committed to collaborating on the proposal – which would be subject to approval from the Council.

Garden City Helicopters Managing Director John Currie says he is thrilled to have been given an opportunity to establish an operation in Wellington and to work with the Council. “The waterfront is an outstanding and central location – perfect for quickly and conveniently getting tourists and other customers into the air – we’re looking forward to contributing to the vibrancy and economy of the region.”