Man dies at Omanawa Falls in the western Bay of Plenty
3 Jan, 2021 02:28 AM
3 minutes to read
Emergency services at Omanawa Falls. Photo / George Novak
Bay of Plenty Times
A person died at Omanawa Falls in the western Bay of Plenty this afternoon.
A police spokeswoman said the body of a male was located shortly after 4pm. The death has been referred to the Coroner.
Police were called to Omanawa Rd about 2.30pm after a report someone had climbed a cliff and failed to return to their group, police said earlier. There is some concern they may have fallen.
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A Tauranga City Council park ranger was also at the scene.
Omanawa Falls: Dozens of people a day are being turned away from trying to visit closed western Bay of Plenty beauty spot
29 Dec, 2020 07:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Local Kaitiaki and Omanawa Falls park ranger (cut out) have a safety message for visitors. Photo / Sandra Conchie
A guardian posted at the entrance to the closed Omanawa Falls access says dozens of people are being turned away every day – with some still slipping through and risking injury to themselves and rescuers.
Social media posts promoting the beauty of the falls seem to be part of the problem, with some would-be visitors saying that s what drew them to the falls in spite of official warnings.