Police called to help settle dispute at Heli Tours
POLICE were called to help settle what they say was a civil dispute at a Queenstown helicopter base yesterday afternoon, the day after the company went into voluntary liquidation.
Heli Tours Ltd, operated by Paul and Katherine Mitchell, of Kelvin Heights, was placed in liquidation on Tuesday.
The Otago Daily Times understands Mr Mitchell sent a text message to contacts on Tuesday informing them the business had ‘‘closed down’’ as of 12.30pm that day.
Duncan Fea, of Crowe Howarth, was appointed liquidator the same day — his first report is due later this month.
At 11.52am yesterday Queenstown Airport police were called to the company’s base, at Sir Henry Wigley Dr, after an allegation was reportedly made about the attempted theft of two helicopters, which the ODT understands may relate to the securing of company assets.
A police spokeswoman said because it was a civil dispute ‘‘we don’t have any further information’’.
The ODT understands Queenstown Airport management were also called to assist.
An airport spokeswoman said there were no disruptions to airport operations but the airport company ‘‘will not be commenting on the private matter’’.
Mr Mitchell could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Mr Fea told the ODT the liquidator’s responsibility was ‘‘just to secure all assets and then work through the priorities and the claims, so that’s what we’re doing’’.
‘‘So, I’ve got no comment to make at the moment,’’ he said.
Heli Tours was incorporated in September 2009 and operates flights around Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fiordland, the Catlins, Mt Cook and the West Coast.
The Companies Office website shows Paul Mitchell is the sole director.
Mr and Mrs Mitchell and John Mitchell, of Clinton, are shareholders.
The Heli Tours site says it operates an Airbus H120 helicopter and an Airbus H125.
Last September the company announced a merger with Fiordland Charters, which owns the MV Pembroke in Dusky Sound.
The Companies Office site shows directors and shareholders of that company are Derek and Anna Brown, the former owners of Browns Ski Shop.