'Lively character' killed in fall

Matthew Allison. Photo / Supplied

Matthew Allison was fatally injured in a climbing accident near Wanaka.

With his shock of red, curly hair, Matthew Byron Allison was one of Wanaka Wastebusters' lively characters, working to encourage recycling and reduce waste going to landfill.

Mr Allison was from the United Kingdom and had lived in Wanaka since February.

The keen rock climber had fallen in love with the Central Otago town.

But on Saturday morning, the 26-year-old was found dead after falling 155m to the base of Chinaman's Bluff, in the Dart River Valley north of Glenorchy.

His family in Britain were told that evening of his death.

Police said Mr Allison was an experienced climber who had previously crossed the bluff.

His climbing companion, who was rescued unharmed, has been named as Wanaka man James Briscall, 37, also an experienced climber.

A search and rescue operation began after police were alerted just before midnight on Friday that the two climbers were overdue.

Rescue workers tried to locate the pair using voice appeal during the night-time hours without success, and early on Saturday morning an aerial and ground search began.

Mr Allison was found by ground searchers at the base of the cliff in thick scrub at 8.25am.

Mr Briscall was airlifted from a small ledge where he had spent the night about 200m up from the base of the cliff.

Police said it appeared that Mr Allison had fallen while trying to clear a rope that became entangled.

Mr Briscall expressed his sympathy to Mr Allison's family and friends for their tragic loss.

"Matt and I had experienced a fantastic climb and Matt had expressed how privileged he felt to bear witness to the amazing scenery around us."

Police investigating the incident have completed their initial investigation and the matter has been referred to the coroner.

Mr Allison, who also enjoyed music and drama, belonged to Wastebusters' "GetReal" campaign team, which uses art, music, poetry, skits and street performance to spread environmental messages.

The GetReal team occasionally performs in Wanaka and has taken to the streets and parks of other New Zealand towns and cities.

In May, Mr Allison was with the team that performed at Parliament in front of Environment Minister Nick Smith and delivered submissions on the Waste Minimisation Act.

Mr Allison also campaigned to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Wastebusters general manager Sue Coutts said Mr Allison was "a dynamic and enthusiastic person, with a great sense of fun".

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES