Tributes flow in Australia for plane crash victims

Adelaide financier Bernie Lewis and his wife Christine.

ADELAIDE - Tributes flowed today for Adelaide financier Bernie Lewis, who was killed in a plane crash near Taupo along with his wife Christine.

State Premier Mike Rann said Mr Lewis, 66, was a passionate South Australian who began his life in Adelaide as a migrant.

"Bernie came up through the school of hard knocks," Mr Rann said.

"He generously and energetically gave back to the community that gave him the opportunity to make the most of his potential."

Mr Lewis, who ran Bernie Lewis Home Loans, his wife Christine, 60, and the pilot of their small charter plane died when it crashed yesterday into a mountain in the central North Island.

A rescue helicopter found the wreckage of the twin-engined Piper Seneca on Mount Tauhara.

Police said rescuers recovered the bodies of the three people shortly before 8am today.

Four police search and rescue members were flown in on a 40m rope below the rescue helicopter to the site on the side of the mountain to recover the bodies and equipment.

TAIC investigators were due to be flown in early this afternoon.

The plane had been making its final approach to Taupo airport, 3km away, having flown from Kerikeri in the island's far north.

Mr and Mrs Lewis were on a holiday in New Zealand and were due to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this year.

A well known face on Adelaide television, Mr Lewis formed the Adelaide Permanent Building Society in 1971 and then played a major role in its merger with the Hindmarsh Building Society.

In 1987 he set up his own company, Bernie Lewis Home Loans and also served as chairman of Lifeplan funds management group from 1989 until his death.

Lifeplan managing director Chris Wright said Mr Lewis was a wonderful chairman -- visionary, strong and innovative.

"He and Christine both had an infectious passion for everything South Australian," Mr Wright said.

"Under Bernie's chairmanship, Lifeplan has grown from a relatively small funds management company, to become one of South Australia's biggest companies with assets of more than A$1.3 ($1.43) billion.

"They will both be sadly missed, but have left an indelible mark on everyone who knew them."

Mr Lewis was also highly regarded in sporting circles, most notably for his role as chairman of National Basketball League club, the Adelaide 36ers, for seven years until 2003.

South Australian opposition Leader Rob Kerin said Mr Lewis was an effervescent character whose love of life affected all those who met him.

"He was a fine South Australian who made a significant contribution to our state," Mr Kerin said.

- AAP