Flying fox death: 'He should not have been on it'

The fun park was closed at the weekend following a fatal fall. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A man who plunged to his death from a flying fox during a Christmas party should not have been on the equipment, the owners of a Whangarei adventure park say.

Kawakawa man Moses Tohu, 53, who died after falling from the flying fox at AE Fun Park on Friday evening, was a widower. His death leaves a 6-year-old boy an orphan.

Mr Tohu was with a group from Opua company Ashby's Boat Yard and Far North Holdings when he reportedly fell 5-10 metres after climbing on to the flying fox, which the park says was not operating at the time.

His death has left family, workmates and the fun park's staff reeling.

AE's owner Chris Angus said the park was closed at the weekend as a mark of respect to Mr Tohu's family, and also because of the shocking toll the tragedy had taken on AE staff and their families.

Mr Angus said the park, which offers Northland's longest flying-fox ride, paintball wargames and other adventure and recreational activities at Hayward Rd, Maungakaramea, had a clean safety record.

WorkSafe New Zealand had launched an investigation into the incident but, contrary to some reports, the park had not been forced to close, Mr Angus said.

"The park has not been officially shut down. However, management have chosen to close the park today to pay respects to those involved."

The registered group did not use the flying fox and that equipment was secured and not operating at the time of the fatal accident, he said.

"The deceased was not participating in activities at the park. He arrived at the park with a group that were participating in park activities but we were of the understanding he was a spectator only."

Emergency services were called to the scene in Maungakaramea about 5.45pm on Friday. Two paramedics could not resuscitate Mr Tohu, who was in cardiac arrest.

A workmate described him as well respected in the community, someone for whom life had been tough but who was well liked. Mr Tohu had worked for the company for 14 years. His wife Miriam Matene-Tohu died and the couple's infant son was injured when a laden trailer snapped off a vehicle and slammed into their vehicle, near Whakapara in 2008.

Devastated family members said they were shocked Friday's festive celebrations had taken such a tragic turn. Mr Tohu was lying at his home in Kawakawa, ahead of a tangi at Mangamuka Marae, near Kaikohe.

Niece Peggy Tohu paid tribute to her uncle, saying he was a humble man who was left a widower after the tragic death of his wife in 2008, shortly after they had married.

Police said Mr Tohu was taking part in adventure activities and was flying down the zipline when he fell 5-10m to the ground. It remained unclear last night whether a medical condition played a part in his death.

The 500m flying fox is believed to be the country's third largest and reaches speeds of up to 80km/h.