Mangatepopo tragedy shocks local community

The Turangi-Tongariro Community Board have forwarded condolences on behalf of many locals involved in the search and rescue efforts of the students and teacher tragically lost in the swollen Mangatepopo River this week.

Chairman Don Ormsby conveyed the deepest sympathies of the Board and members of the Turangi-Tongariro Community to the families, friends and ELIM Christian College, for their grief at the loss of the young students and staff member who lost their lives in the Mangatepopo River earlier in the week.

He said “words fail us at this time but we know that you are within a community of faith and hope that this helps you to find strength and support in this terrible time.”

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuit Centre is just outside the Taupo District Council area, many of those involved in the rescue and recovery are from, or closely associated with, Turangi and have been deeply affected by this tragedy.