The parish of St Paul’s Symonds St in Auckland has spent the day in shock and supporting each other after a helicopter crash claimed the life of one parishioner and injured four others. 

Jerome Box, 52, died in the crash yesterday afternoon near Wanaka.

The helipcopter had six other passengers, including four members of St Paul's.

Four passengers were flown to Dunedin Hospital in serious but stable conditions, while two were treated in Wanaka for minor injuries.

The Rev Mathew Newton, Priest in Charge of St Paul’s Symonds St, spoke to media after announcing the crash in services this morning.

He described Jerome, a long-time parishioner, as an amazing man of faith who loved his family and his church.

Jerome was the person the parish looked to for tasks such as building the stage for the annual Christmas event Glow at Vector arena. 

Mathew has spoken with the other parishioners who survived the crash. 

He says they are a tight group of friends who are dealing with a series of emotions, including guilt for surviving a tragedy in which a close friend was lost.

The services started this morning with Psalm 121, which looks to God for strength.

There was also prayer for Jerome and those who had survived the crash, including their families.  

The Bishop of Auckland, the Rt Rev Ross Bay, is pleased that he was able to worship with parishioners this morning. 

He is encouraging the diocese to pray for St Paul’s and those involved in the crash.