Otago rescue helicopter supplies theft

3 stories · since January 2025 Quiet since 7 Feb 2025

Photo: Otago Daily Times (opens in new tab) · Man accused of stealing rescue helicopter equipment appears in court

The story so far

Police warned that the drugs could endanger patients and could be fatal if used recreationally, and the chief executive of Helicopters Otago offered a $10,000 reward for information.13 Jan 2025 A 31-year-old Dunedin man was arrested and faces multiple burglary charges.16 Jan 2025 He appeared in Dunedin District Court in February, where he questioned the court's jurisdiction; his charges include theft of life-saving equipment and items from commercial burglaries.7 Feb 2025

Latest

At a 6 February court appearance, the 31-year-old man questioned the court's jurisdiction over the case.7 Feb 2025

Key moments

  1. Drugs and critical medical equipment stolen from Queenstown rescue helicopter at Taieri Airfield.
  2. Helicopters Otago offers $10,000 reward; police warn drugs could be fatal.
  3. 31-year-old Dunedin man arrested over the helicopter theft.
  4. Accused appears in court and questions the court's jurisdiction.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.

All stories

February 2025

January 2025

Coverage

  • Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times4
  • RNZRNZ4
  • The PressThe Press3
  • NZ HeraldNZ Herald3
  • 1News1News2