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Parents of the students who died in the Mangatepopo tragedy have had an emotional meeting with staff from the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, who organised the fatal river outing.
Six students, all aged 16, and one teacher from Elim Christian College lost their lives when they were caught in a flash flood while canyoning down the Mangatepopo River in Tongariro National Park on Tuesday.
Elim College Board of Trustees chairman Dani Vermeulen told NZPA today that five OPC staff turned up unannounced this morning and spoke to students at the school's regular Friday assembly.
He understood OPC chairman Grant MacKenzie was among the group along with four instructors.
He did not know if they were the instructors which had been on the river outing.
One OPC staff member John Maxted addressed the students, talking to them about the river, he said.
Mr Vermeulen said after the assembly the OPC staff had a private meeting with the parents of those who had died.
There were no issues or ill-will towards the OPC staff and the parents had welcomed them, he said.
"We're supporting them as well."
Mr Vermeulen said staff and students were focused on supporting each other and preparing to farewell those who died.
The first of seven funerals will be held tomorrow.
Floyd Fernandes will be the first to be farewelled at a service at the college in Howick tomorrow, followed by Portia McPhail, Tom Hsu and Natasha Bray on Monday.
Anthony Mulder and teacher Tony McClean, 29, are due to be farewelled on Tuesday, and Tara Gregory's funeral will follow on Wednesday.
- NZPA
