Built in 1966 by the NZFS, although DOC records suggest 1970. According to Jock Fisher the hut was named by John Reardon to honour Frank Erceg (1934 to 1965), a legendary ex NZFS culler. Frank & his hunting mate John Cummings (1935 to 1695) were killed when struck by the rotor blades of a Bell 47G-2 helicopter in Mill Creek, Upper Matukituki Valley (the first fatalities in the helicopter meat recovery industry). Usually huts are named are geographic features but exceptions are made to honor a deer culler or field officer. A DOC hut located outside the Ruataniwha Conservation Park boundary according to the WAMS website. It once had an open fire. Edit Hut