Two people killed in a helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill were pest control contractors working along the Transmission Gully state highway corridor, which runs through northern Porirua.
Police were alerted to the crash about 7.30am on Wednesday after an automatic crash alert was activated in the Paekākāriki Hill area.
The pilot and a passenger were later confirmed dead.
Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said Police were still working to formally identify the two people recovered from the site.
“Our thoughts remain with their families and friends at this time,” Perkins said.
Civil Aviation Authority investigators have completed a preliminary examination of the scene. A Police scene examination is ongoing, with cordons remaining in place at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, a popular area for Porirua and Kāpiti residents.
In a statement, Waka Kotahi said the two people killed were contractors carrying out pest control work along the Transmission Gully corridor.
“Waka Kotahi is providing support to those affected, and WorkSafe has been notified,” a spokesperson said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue teams assisted with the response and recovery. Members of the public and media have been asked to respect the cordoned area while investigations continue.