The island where three men were dramatically rescued recently may soon have its own helipad and upgraded refuelling facilities to make such rescues safer.
The Department of Conservation is working with helicopter companies to find ways to fund and build a wooden platform on the island that would make landing and refuelling easier.
At the moment pilots have to deal with sloping, undulating ground on which to land, and to roll large fuel drums across.
Doc Murikiku operations manager Tony Preston said the organisation was working alongside local helicopter companies to explore the idea after HeliOtago raised the idea.
"As the land manager, we're happy to work in partnership with interested parties to explore what their requirements are for the helipad and facilitate co-management agreements should it go ahead,'' Mr Preston said.
"Conversations are ongoing and no decisions have been made at this stage.''
After the recent rescue of three men whose helicopter plunged into the sea near Enderby Island, HeliOtago's Graeme Gale raised the issue of facilities for helicopters on the island.
"It's a very awkward place to refuel.
"The ground's up and down, it's not level and it's not a big area.''
Fuel drums had to be rolled across the "sloped and undulating'' ground.
The proposal was to design and build a platform a helicopter could land on and walkways leading to the fuel storage shed.
The work would make things a lot easier, and be "a huge advantage'' in terms of health and safety.
Pilots were required to lift 200-litre fuel drums when refuelling, and there was a risk one could put their back out or otherwise injure themselves while doing so.
"Then you've got a real problem on your hands.''
Mr Gale said he was pleased to hear Doc was looking at the idea.
"That's great.''
The helipad and fuel depot could be used to rescue anyone in trouble in the subantarctic islands, whether they were part of the fishing fleet, tourist companies or others.
The work was expected to cost about $20,000, and he hoped those groups and any other potential users would consider getting involved to raise funds.
