Hawera High School student Phillip Pierson, 14, was cold and wet but uninjured. Photo: Glenn Jeffrey
Hawera High School student Phillip Pierson, 14, was cold and wet but uninjured. Photo: Glenn Jeffrey
The organisation responsible for the 2012 Paritutu Rock tragedy is again in the spotlight, after a teenager went missing while on a supervised navigation exercise on Mt Taranaki.
Hawera High School student Phillip Pierson, 14, was cold and wet but uninjured after being found today.
He was found about 11am by a DOC worker who was in the area at the time checking stoat traps.
The worker was aware of the search and was looking out for the teen.
The group Phillip Pierson was on the mountain with were from TSB Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Education Centre (Topec).
In 2013, Topec escaped being fined on three charges after the deaths of two students and an instructor, killed while traversing the seaside New Plymouth landmark.But it was ordered to pay reparations to the families of the victims and survivors, totalling $269,500.
In a statement this afternoon, director Steve Ralph said Topec would be undertaking a thorough investigation into Phillip's ordeal, adding the company would "work with relevant authorities to seek clarification around the student's decisions that led to the search and our processes in managing the situation".
Mr Ralph said the organisation was extremely proud of its staff for their "actions, clear thinking and commitment" throughout the search for Phillip.
"They have operated with professionalism alongside others involved in the search.
"Our sincere thanks go to all those involved in the search and the support from the wider Taranaki Community," Mr Ralph said.
Topec is currently debriefing with staff in what Mr Ralph said has been "a very stressful situation".
He said no further comment would be made until the facts and further information was known.
DoC ranger Emma Neal,who found the missing boy while checking her stoat traps. Photo: lenn Jeffrey
A search and rescue operation commenced yesterday afternoon with search parties on foot, the Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter and an RNZAF helicopter.
Inspector Keith Borrell said finding the boy so quickly was fantastic.
"We are extremely relieved to find Phillip, it's a relief for both police and his family that he's back and in one piece," he said.
