IHC should review care after death - Meads

IHC should look at the number of caregivers it allocates to clients in light of the death of an intellectually disabled man in bush near Te Kuiti, says the organisation's patron, Colin Meads.

All Black legend Meads, who has been involved with IHC for more than 30 years, said the disappearance and subsequent death of Lewis Munro, 51 was "sad and tragic".

Mr Munro was one of two intellectually disabled men who became separated from a group of eight IHC clients under the supervision of a caregiver on Monday afternoon.

The second man, Alfred Jonakait, 53, was found safe and well about 9pm that night.

The group was on a day trip to the Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve and Mr Munro's body was recovered in the area last night.

The IHC has launched an investigation into the incident.

Meads told the Waikato Times he did not know the specifics of the case, but felt IHC should look at its processes.

"They would have been looking forward to going on that trip...and there would have been huge excitement and the more able ones would have taken off like rockets (at the reserve)," he said.

"It's like going with a bunch of kids.

"It looks like there should have been more caregivers with them or they should have come back, but that's always wise for us to say after it's happened."

Meads said the reason for the ratio may be due to a lack of volunteers. However, he expected that information to come out in IHC's investigation.

IHC chief executive Ralph Jones has thanked police and search and rescue teams for their efforts to find Mr Munro.

"Our sincere condolences go to Mr Munro's family," Mr Jones said.

"Given the outcome of this tragedy, IHC will now commission an independent investigation of the case, the terms of reference of which will be decided in the next few days."

- NZPA