By JO-MARIE BROWN
ROTORUA - Police have decided not to lay criminal charges over a fatal waka accident on Lake Rotorua in January.
Aupai Bruce Tohu, aged 25, of Lower Hutt, drowned after the fibreglass waka that he and other Rimutaka Prison inmates were learning to paddle was swamped by 2m waves near Mokoia Island.
The paddlers were not wearing lifejackets and the accident sparked debate over the regulations concerning flotation devices.
But Superintendent Peter Smith, the Bay of Plenty district commander, said no charges would be laid following investigations by police and the Maritime Safety Authority.
Mr Tohu and the group, who were on a week-long Maori cultural training course, had been asked beforehand if they could swim, and given the option of wearing lifejackets.
Mr Smith said they were also instructed in what to do if the waka capsized.
Police did not believe the course organisers had been negligible.
A hui would be held in Wellington soon at which police, Mr Tohu's family and other groups involved would discuss waka training and the wearing of lifejackets.
Mr Smith said it was important for shortcomings to be addressed to prevent similar accidents occurring.
Drowning no fault of trainer say police
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