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.
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.1% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.5% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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70.4% Nah - not for me
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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