Heroic pilot who fell to earth won sentencing judge's regard

The inevitable image is of a high flyer who fell to earth - the swashbuckling helicopter pilot who came crashing down.

But there is a lot more to Harvey Hutton than that. His heroic deeds as a search and rescue pilot have inspired immense respect and his contribution to the community has ensured him of loyalty.

Even the judge who jailed him this week for stealing greenstone admitted the community would not be as safe without the 48-year-old waiting to jump into his helicopter for the next rescue.

He had rare skills and would go out in the dark to rescue stranded trampers, climbers and hunters.

But he also had a West Coast wild streak. Hutton was sentenced to 18 months' jail in the Dunedin District Court for stealing 20 tonnes of greenstone valued at $115,000.

He denies stealing the greenstone, maintaining it was legally mined on his Big Bay claim in South Westland, and has appealed. He was granted leave to apply for home detention.

"Harvey can walk a fine line. Unfortunately, he may have just crossed it this time," a friend, one of several who did not want to be named, said.

The tight-knit community of Makarora closed ranks in support of Hutton and his partner, Patsy Nolan.

The few who did comment described a man who came from a humble background to establish himself as one of New Zealand's top mountain rescue helicopter pilots.

His ability to improvise showed itself after the demise of the deer recovery and helicopter hunting industry when most pilots had to look at alternatives, branching into other areas of helicopter piloting, commercial tourism and sightseeing.

Hutton has successfully run two such ventures, starting Back Country Helicopters (formerly Maungawera Helicopters) in 1991, and buying Wilkin River Jet in 1995 from founder Chris Battson.

The two eco-tourism outfits are run in conjunction with Ms Nolan from their Makarora base at Inside New Zealand Wilderness Adventures.

The couple also farm cattle and sheep at the head of Lake Wanaka.

However, it is Hutton's helicopter piloting skills and his many search and rescue contributions which have earned him the respect of his peers.

Judge MacDonald echoed these sentiments when sentencing Hutton.

"Without wanting to overstate matters, it's quite clear in your search and rescue work that you have saved lives, and often in heroic and trying circumstances.

"I can say unreservedly that you being in the community enhances the safety of the community."

Five years ago Hutton and alpine mountain guide Geoff Wayatt dramatically rescued a Wanaka woman in Mt Aspiring National Park.

The 28-year-old woman was blown off her feet by strong winds while climbing Rob Roy peak with Wanaka guide Richard Norris.

She slid over an 8m ice cliff and landed on a ledge below, suffering serious injuries.

"Without Harvey's skills that woman would have died," Mr Wayatt said.

Conditions were marginal, with low cloud, rain and strong westerly winds forming potentially dangerous downdraughts, Mr Wayatt said.

"Harvey brought the chopper in next to the ledge, allowing me to jump out and stabilise the patient.

"He had to hover next to the ledge while we moved the patient into the helicopter, before he lifted her out to a doctor further down the valley.

"A lesser pilot would not have been able to pull it off."

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES