Statement From Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Embargoed until 6pm Thursday 17 April
Statement from Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Grant McKenzie
The Trustees and staff of the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) express our deepest condolences to the
families of the six students and teacher of Elim Christian College who died on the Mangatepopo River. Like everyone
involved we are struggling to come to terms with the enormity of what happened. We recognise that numerous families,
friends and communities are rocked by this tragedy and are experiencing unimaginable sorrow.
Our Trustees are available to offer any support we can, including meeting with the families - an offer made yesterday
while at the school.
We ask that at this time of grieving all parties be given some privacy for this to occur.
The OPC is currently cooperating with the police investigation and OSH inquiry.
We are also conducting an internal inquiry into these events, which will be led by an independent investigator. The
findings of this OPC inquiry will be published.
In view of the investigations now under way and out of respect for everyone affected, OPC will be making no further
comment to the media at this time.
ENDS