Tourists need warning after coroner's inquest into Northland sand dune death

Visitors wanting to experience New Zealand's adventure tourism should be warned that they are taking a risk.
That message, from Northland's coroner, comes as the region prepares to accommodate thousands of tourists for next year's Rugby World Cup.
An inquest has just been conducted into the death of English tourist Thomas Donaldson.
The coroner found Mr Donaldson died after ignoring the warnings of a Far North tour operator.
The 24-year-old fifth-year medical student from the University of Manchester chose to sand board down "Suicide Hill" in the sand dunes on the Hokianga Harbour despite warnings only to slide between the flags.
Donaldson had been in New Zealand on his "elective", a period of time medics spend working outside of university, in order to quality as doctors. After several days in a coma, his life-support machine was turned off with his family by his side.
An inquest into his death found Mr Donaldson died in Auckland Hospital on February 25 last year, seven days after he slammed into the sand at the bottom of a 48m slide and sustained head injuries.
Northland Coroner Brandt Shortland said the Englishman died of multiple complications including pneumonia that arose from a traumatic brain injury.
He said adventure tourism businesses should warn those keen to experience the thrills about the dangers via their websites. It was timely to do so as about 16,000 people were expected in Northland for next year's Rugby World Cup.
"What must be said is that Mr Donaldson chose not to follow instructions in that he engaged a sand dune that ultimately cost him his life," Mr Shortland said.
"People have to remember when engaging in adventure tourism they have to follow the rules for their own safety."
As part of the inquest the coroner was taken to the sand dunes and shown the area that had become a popular site for sand boarding.
Tourism operator Peter Clarke said he had been running trips to the sand dunes for the last 18 years with no major incidents.
Mr Clarke set up two bright red and pink flags and clear instructions were given to the adventurous group to sand board between the flags and no where else.
Local police officer and member of the Coastguard, Senior Constable Jeff Cramp said it appeared Mr Donaldson took a 48m ride down a section of the dunes known by locals as "Suicide Hill". He hopped on the board and faced down towards the water. It is thought he lost control and crashed at the bottom of the dune where it met the beach and was knocked unconscious.