Christchurch man drowns after jumping into dangerous West Coast gorge
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reviewing the popular Hokitika River gorge area after 23-year-old Christchurch man Solomone Tuitalau drowned.
A police spokesman said they were called about 12.50pm on Saturday after Tuitalau failed to surface from the river in Kokatahi, near Whitecombe Valley Rd. His body was found on Sunday evening.
DOC Hokitika operations manager Nicole Kunzmann said there was signage online and at the river warning of the conditions, but the department would review its visitor risk management for the site.
Our thoughts are with Tuitalau's friends and family at this tragic time.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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