In their own words, whanau, family and friends, as well as some of those involved with Operation Overdue, share their personal reflections on the accident and its impact then and in the years since.
The stories and memories on these pages have been provided by Erebus families, friends and people associated with the Erebus disaster. These are in the writers’ own words, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
If you have questions about the content on this page, are an Erebus family member or were involved with Operation Overdue and wish to receive updates, please email [email protected].
Malyon, Marjorie and Jane Allan
Flight TE901 would have a profound impact on not only the Allan family, but their close circle of friends and wider Hawke’s Bay community.
Remembering Malyon, Marjorie and Jane Allan
Roy Arbon (Operation Overdue)
During his time with the recovery mission, Roy was nicknamed ‘Mountain Man’ by the police personnel he worked with.
Jon and Philippa Broad
Jon’s sister Philippa shared these memories about her brother and niece, in March 2024.
Remembering Jon and Philippa Broad
Greg Cassin
Jacinta Cassin reflects on her father, Greg Cassin, 37, First Officer on Air New Zealand Flight TE901.
Frank Christmas
Brett Christmas was thirteen-years old when his father was killed. These are some of his personal reflections on post-Erebus adverse trauma.
Care without prejudice: an opportunity missed
Thomas James (Jim) Collins
Kathryn Carter reflects on the loss of her father, Captain Jim Collins. ‘When back from flying, Dad would be “back to normal” and we could be a family again.’
Brucie (Bryn) Gibbs
Doug Gibbs, whose mother was on Air New Zealand Flight TE901, shares his memories of the night of the Erebus flight accident on 28 November 1979.
Ian Hambly (Operation Overdue)
Ian Hambly was an Air New Zealand flight steward from 1973 to 1983. He was involved with the company's immediate response to the Erebus disaster and later worked at the mortuary.
Geoffrey Kerr
Lisbeth Eastment remembers the life of her big brother, ‘I was the guardian of his secrets, his dreams and his ambitions, and forever the guardian of his memory.’ Her daughter, Esmé, reflects on the impact of his loss on the family.
Mike Lies
Jeffrey Lies’ brother, Mike (Michael) Lies was one of 22 passengers from the United States who died in the Erebus accident.
Graham Lister (Operation Overdue)
Graham Lister shares recollections of his time as Air New Zealand liaison with the Police for the duration of the identification and repatriation phases of Operation Overdue.
Graham Lister remembers Erebus
Dawn Matthews
Phil Stewart, Dawn’s nephew, remembers her life. 'As I write this, I’m the only close relative of Dawn who is still here to remember her. That’s why it’s important to me that her story is told and shared'.
Russell Scott
Kristine Colley reflects on her father, Russell Morrison Scott, 38, Purser on Air New Zealand Flight TE901. ‘We were a tight knit family of four with lots of fun and laughter – that all stopped after Dad's death. He was the life and soul of any party.’
Peter Tanton
During the Second World War, Peter Tanton flew 30 bombing missions while serving in the Royal Air Force. Having survived these missions, it seems cruelly ironic that he would later die in a civilian sightseeing flight to Antarctica.
Sherwood Young (Operation Overdue)
Sherwood Young was based at Police Operation Overdue HQ, Police National Headquarters, Wellington for its duration from November–December 1979.
Sherwood Young remembers the Erebus disaster
A sister's Erebus story
I have been asked to put my thoughts to paper on the effects of the Erebus disaster in order that this terrible event can be truly recorded and be an important part of New Zealand’s history.
