The plane crashed near Lake Hāwea on Saturday. (File photo) Photo: Tess Brunton
Gore is mourning the loss of well-respected businessman Ivan Van de Water, who died in a plane crash near Lake Hāwea on Saturday, Deputy Mayor Keith Hovell says.
Van de Water was one of two men on board the light plane. The other person was flown to hospital in a critical condition.
He retired to Wānaka after selling his jewellery business, Van de Water Jewellers, in 2021, which he operated with his wife for close to 40 years.
Hovell said Van de Water's passing was a significant loss for the community, as he was an extremely well-respected businessman.
"More importantly, he was an extremely patient man, who was involved in a number of organisations in the community and the community feels his loss," he said.
"We send our heartfelt sympathy to his family and also best wishes for the person in hospital who has survived the crash."
The shop, Van de Water Jewellers, was a source of gifts for family and friends and fostered the main street of Gore as a good place to be, Hovell said.
"The watch I wear is one I got from Van de Water Jewellers many years ago for example. Many people from the community have dealt with him over the years."
A former staff member at the jewellery store told Hovell they felt the loss, and described Van de Water as "an incredible boss, who looked after his staff as well as he looked after customers".
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said it was working with police to investigate the crash.
"Our investigators have travelled to Wānaka and the focus over the coming days will be to gather information that helps us understand what happened and why, to determine any next steps," the spokesperson said.
"We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased."
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