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The Government passed legislation that allowed recreational drugs to be legally tested at summer festivals in December. Credits: Video - Newshub; Image - Getty Images
National MP Simon Bridges has been accused of disrespecting families of the dead after linking fatalities at festivals over summer with drug-testing services, despite none of the deaths being linked to drug use.
The Government last year temporarily legalised drug-testing services at music festivals, which had already been operating in a legal grey area for several years. That law is set to expire in December, but in April Health Minister Andrew Little said it would be made permanent.
By: Christie Eliezer
Four Deaths Mar Three Summer Festivals Down Under
Four deaths marred the return of three summer festivals Down Under. Two were at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne, New Zealand, which drew a daily 30,000 Dec. 28-31.
Audio engineer David Peterson from Wavefront Audio, who was working at the festival, died of suspected heart failure.
Wavefront manager Milo Kerrigan explained, “Dave had injured his arm two days before, requiring a few stitches, and was on light duties as the system tech for the three stages we look after at R&V – typically, being the hard ass roadie that he was, he was back after a couple of hours patched up and soldiering on.” After set-up, Peterson had a nap in a van. When a crew member tried to wake him up, he was unresponsive.
Family of teen who died after going missing at R&V thanks searchers Sun, 3 Jan 2021, 11:13AM
The body of 19-year-old Fletcher Wong was found on Tuesday after he was reported missing from Rhythm and Vines festival. Photo / NZ Police
Family of teen who died after going missing at R&V thanks searchers Sun, 3 Jan 2021, 11:13AM
The family of Fletcher Wong, who was found deceased by searchers on New Year s Eve after he went missing from Rhythm & Vines, have expressed their heartfelt thanks to all those involved in finding him.
The 19-year-old was last seen leaving the R&V site at Waiohika Estate at around 2am on Tuesday morning.
“Been a pretty tough event, to be honest,” Bell said. Bell said his understanding was drugs were not involved in Wong’s death either. He personally knew Peterson: “He was a nice guy.”
New Zealand Police/Supplied A statement from festival organisers expressed their condolences to Peterson s family. “We are deeply saddened that David Peterson, a treasured member of the Wavefront Audio production team, passed away during the night while off duty on the night of December 30. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the crew member’s family, loved ones and colleagues at this time.” Wavefront Audio manager Milo Kerrigan paid tribute to his colleague in a post on social media on New Year s Day, where he said the death was suspected to be heart failure.