SOUTHERN LAKES HELICOPTERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Mt Cook
Angus comes to us from a humble background having been born and raised in the stunning highlands of Fiordland. His love for the great outdoors only grew as he got older and after a flight in his first Helicopter, he joined the RNZAF where he served for 11 years. In 2010 he departed the Air Force but continued his passion for the aviation industry working as Operations and Apron Managers for Christchurch International Airport and Invercargill Airport before deciding to come and join our friendly team here at Mt Cook. Needless to say, Angus joins us with a huge wealth of knowledge when it comes to aviation and is currently following his dream to become a full-blown Helicopter Pilot. In his spare time, he can often be found socializing and enjoying our great backyard.
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Mt Cook
The love for aviation was passed to the next generation and Sir Richard's son, Michael Hayes, has followed in his father's footsteps. While studying at the University of Canterbury, Michael realised how much he loved the outdoors and discovered his own passion for helicopters. His work took him across the world for a number of years, flying Scientific missions in Antarctica and working for the MIA program in the exotic highlands of Papua New Guinea. In 2010, Michael returned home to Te Anau to work alongside his father at Southern Lakes Helicopters and continue the business' legacy. As the new CEO of Southern Lakes Helicopters, Michael strives to keep the genuine passion for helicopter flight alive within every employee and guest alike.
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Te Anau
Southland born and bred, Bex joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in October 2018. Bex loves all of the outdoor activities that Fiordland has to offer - chat to her about Fiordland's Great Walks, or our new Lake2Lake cycle trail.
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Te Anau
Brittany joined the team at Southern Lakes Helicopters in 2022 after completing an Agribusiness and Marketing degree at Lincoln University. Brittany fell in love with living in Fiordland and enjoys putting her skills to use in the area she loves. She is excited to be a part of such a dynamic team of people and hopes to make a positive impact in her role.
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Te Anau
Catherine started at Southern Lakes Helicopters in November 2021 after moving to the area from Canterbury. Catherine comes from an agricultural background and is usually found out running, swimming or biking in her spare time.
Job Titles:
- Flight Operations Manager - Mt Cook
Dom originally from the UK came to NZ in 2003 and began a career with the NZ Police in 2006. He diligently served 12 years before leaving to chase his dream of becoming a Pilot. In 2019 he achieved his goal of obtaining his CPL and is now heading up the Mt Cook base as our new Flight Operations Manager. His passion for flying and the aviation industry is only rivalled by the love of his family and our beautiful backyard.
Living on a lifestyle block in Te Anau with her husband, two children and 'Minnie' the Jack Russell, Erin is a true-blue Southlander. She joined the SLH team in 2006 and loves the mix of work SLH undertakes, including Medivac/SAR - every day is different!
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Mt Cook
Maggie comes to us from the mighty US of A and in January 2023 joined our Mt Cook team after falling in love with the stunning wilderness that we are lucky to call our home. Maggie quickly developed a well-rounded knowledge of the local area and has fit into our family like she's one of our own. During her time, she has adapted well to the ever-changing challenges of working in the aviation industry. We are very lucky to have Maggie and hope that she will consider making New Zealand a more permanent part of her future. In her spare time Maggie can be found chasing any adventure that dares look her way.
Marleen is originally from The Netherlands. She arrived in New Zealand in 2007 - and loved it so much that she stayed! Marleen joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in 2015 and is passionate about sharing the very best of our region through our incredible flight options. When not in the office, she is busy keeping things running smoothly at home, raising two young boys.
A third-generation pilot, Matt grew up in Te Anau and loves the diversity and outdoor experiences right on Fiordland's doorstep. Matt loves diving & hunting, and gained his flying experience mostly through venison recovery. Matt joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in 2018.
Job Titles:
- CEO - 4, 100 Flight Hours
Michael now a second generation pilot has began his flying career in 2010 with Southern Lakes Helicopters and gained valuable experience in scenic, commercial and rescue operations over 7 years here in the beautiful mountains of Fiordland and the remote continent of Antarctica.
In 2017 Michael moved overseas for three years, flying BK117 and B212 helicopters on oil & gas, mining and the United States MIA programme in the exotic highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Now back in his home town Te Anau, Michael has returned to Southern Lakes Helicopters to share his passion for flying and Fiordland with our guests.
Job Titles:
- Operations Support Administrator
Ngaire has been a member the SLH team for 11 years, and comes from a farming background near Otautau. Ngaire loves all that Te Anau and Fiordland have to offer, especially in the summer months. She enjoys getting out on the lake in the boat fishing & water skiing.
Paul started flying 10 years ago after a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer. Since then, he has flown in Botswana, Fiji, and the last 6 years in Fiordland clocking up around 2700 hours. Paul enjoys the variety of the flying here and the challenge of Fiordland's rugged landscape. When he isn't working Paul will be spending time with his young family or out taking his rifle for a walk.
Job Titles:
- Safety Manager
- Safety Manager / Crewman
After 18 years in the outdoor industry, Richie became our Safety Manager and Crewman at Southern Lakes Helicopters. His role with us has a number of responsibilities similar to his former career of mountain guiding, field safety and search and rescue in New Zealand, Antarctica and the Himalaya.
Richie still enjoys skiing, climbing, cycling and canoeing in the mountains and rivers of New Zealand.
Job Titles:
- Chief Pilot - 13, 100 Flight Hours
Snow joined the team in 2015 after many years flying in Milford Sound. Snow has over 20 years flying experience in the Fiordland area, and also flew commercially in Canada for a year which included fire fighting. In 2019 Snow was promoted to Chief Pilot.
Job Titles:
- Director - 36, 800 Flight Hours
- Our Founder
Our founder, Sir Richard Hayes, developed his love for aviation in the ‘70s when he first learned to fly planes in Dunedin. From there on, he quickly expanded his skills to flying helicopters and started a job in the deer recovery business across the South Island of Aotearoa. He worked closely with Sir Tim Wallace and the Alpine Group and was positioned in Te Anau, a spot close to his heart thanks to many family vacations when he was younger.
Sir Richard Hayes decided to settle down and start his own family after 10 years of being a part of the Alpine Group. This allowed him to take the leap and start his own business - Southern Lakes Helicopters - in 1982. He quickly became known as a pioneer in the Fiordland Aviation Industry and used his highly developed skills to fly many search and rescue missions. Sir Richard Hayes has been nationally recognised and was awarded the MNZM (Member of New Zealand Order of Merit) for his services to Search and Rescue. In 2014, he was also promoted to Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the community.
Sir Richard is a well known and respected pilot with 40 years of experience flying in the mountainous terrain of Fiordland, and has in excess of 32,000 helicopter flying hours. He operates with skill and professionalism and is heavily involved in Search and Rescue operations, often with the use of Night Vision Equipment. His skill and experience has been recognised nationally by being awarded the MNZM (Member of New Zealand Order of Merit) for his services to Search and Rescue. In 2014 Richard was promoted to Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to search and rescue and the community. Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes also own and operate Heliworks Mt Cook, based at Aoraki/ Mt Cook airport.
Job Titles:
- Office Team Member Mt Cook