Our Staff

• Sir Richard 'Hannibal' HayesDirector - 36,500 flight hours

  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.

• Michael HayesCEO - 3,800 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.

• Sean (Snow) MullallyChief Pilot - 12,800 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.

• Andrew (Heff) HeffordPilot - 7,500 flight hours

  Andrew grew up in Te Anau and has been flying around Fiordland in between overseas tours for 10+ years. Has gained valuable experience in a broad range of operations both here and overseas. He enjoys spending time with his family, boating and hunting.

• Matt DeakerPilot - 1,450 flight hours

  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.

• Richie HunterSafety 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.

• Erin RobertsonOffice Manager

  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!

• Ngaire LindsayOperations 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.

• Marleen WilsonMarketing Manager

  Originally from The Netherlands, Marleen arrived in New Zealand in 2007 - and loved it so much that she stayed! Marleen joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in 2015 and recently also took on Heliworks Mt Cook under her marketing portfolio and loves the mix of work both bases undertake.

• Bex JonesOffice Team Member

  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.

• Catherine SmithOffice Team Member

  Catherine started at Southern Lakes Helicopters in November 2021 after moving to the area from Canterbury. Catherine come from an agricultural background and is usually found out running, swimming or biking in her spare time.