The three airmen killed in the Anzac Day helicopter crash will never be forgotten, Prime Minister John Key told more than 2000 mourners gathered at Ohakea air base in Manawatu this afternoon.
Flying Officer Daniel Stephen Gregory, 28, Flight Lieutenant Hayden Peter Madsen, 33, and Corporal Benjamin Andrew Carson, 25, were killed when their Iroquois hit a hill in foggy weather at Pukerua Bay, north of Wellington.
Their caskets were flown to the base today in separate Iroquois helicopters today where they were met on the tarmac by a lone piper.
The coffins, one adorned with an image of an Anzac poppy, were draped with the flag of the nation they died serving.
They were carried in a solemn procession to the base's main hanger for a full military funeral.
Air force and defence personnel joined the families to farewell the airmen in a service led by air force chaplain Wing Commander Ross Falconer.
A single casket took centre stage among large bunches of flowers.
Prime Minister John Key and No 3 Squadron Wing Commander Russell Mardon paid tribute to the airmen, along with family representatives and air force colleagues.
Mr Key said the tragedy had been felt deeply.
"New Zealand has lost three fine servicemen and families have lost a loved one, a partner, a husband, a son, a brother a mate.
"Your loss is still raw, so you need to know that New Zealand grieves with you."
The airmen had died "representing their country with pride, courage and distinction", he said.
"They are lost but never forgotten."
A squadron member told the crowd the airmen had died as brothers in arms.
"I have comfort in the knowledge that Muddy, Dan and Ben went together, they will always be a crew. Go well brothers."
After the funeral, the caskets were taken to a second hanger where they were met by the families for private services.
A 100-person guard of honour and firing party lined the procession, and the air force haka was performed to farewell the men.
The only survivor of the crash, Sergeant Stevin Creeggan, who was seriously injured, remains in Wellington Hospital.
Yesterday a Hercules aircraft flew from the air force's Whenuapai air base in Auckland taking mourners to the funeral at Ohakea, and a further two flights today brought more mourners to the base.
Many of the mourners were being put up at the Ohakea air base, while many others were accommodated at the nearby Linton army base.
NZPA