At a wreath-laying ceremony the Australian PM paid tribute to the helicopter pilot who died fighting the Port Hills Fire. Photo: NZ Herald/Mark Mitchell
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to former SAS member Steven Askin, who died when his helicopter crashed fighting the Port Hills fires.
In an impromptu media appearance following a wreath-laying at the Arrowtown War Memorial, Turnbull talked about the fires, saying Australia had offered assistance.
"The co-operation between Australia and New Zealand firefighting is a continuation of that great Anzac spirit.
"Obviously we are very, very sad, as you are, from the death of the helicopter pilot who had served in Afghanistan. He was doing what he was doing in Afghanistan: selflessly serving, courageously serving his country.
"Both of our countries know the cruelty of nature, the cruelty of fire."
He said New Zealand and Australia were "the closest of family."
"The Anzac tradition of mateship, solidarity, selflessness are part of our DNA."
Helicopter pilot Steven Askin. Photo: NZ Herald
