Farmer at centre of bush search saga dies

By KEVIN TAYLOR

The Waitomo farmer who last week spent a cold night injured and lost with just his dog for company has died.

James Haggas went missing on Monday last week after injuring himself while using a chainsaw to prune pine trees on his Te Anga farm, 10km west of Waitomo Caves.

Following a big search, the 40-year-old was found the next day blue from cold and huddled with his dog Mont in a woolshed.

They had wandered 20km across rugged farmland.

Mr Haggas had a cut on his chin and suffered mild hypothermia, but was back home from hospital last Wednesday.

Last Saturday night, the father of three was found dead on the farm by a police sergeant after his wife had reported him missing again.

Senior Sergeant Chris Higginson, of Te Kuiti, said yesterday that police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death and there were no suspicious circumstances.

The tragedy has devastated the closeknit Waitomo Caves community, where Mr Haggas grew up.

A close friend, Waitomo Caves community committee chairman Pat Carey, said yesterday that Mr Haggas had been part of a well-respected family who had farmed in the area for about 50 years.

Mr Haggas attended the Waitomo school.

He had farmed one of the largest properties in the area, was a member of the local rugby club and served on the school committee.

"The whole district is just devastated," Mr Carey said.

"Our hearts go out to Linda, his wife, Mary, his mother, and the children.

"It's just a tragic occurrence - and who's to know the reasons why these things happen."

Last Wednesday, Mr Haggas was reluctant to talk to a Herald reporter about his ordeal.

After the accident he had told his 8-year-old labrador-huntaway cross to lead him home, but they became lost, leaving a trail of blood for rescuers.

Mont had kept Mr Haggas going through a cold night spent in the open.

"Every time he stopped for a rest and fell asleep, the dog licked his face until he moved.

"I knew in the back of my mind I had to keep on going, but at times I just couldn't," Mr Haggas said.

"Mont's the star - and all the people who helped look for us. I'm so humbled."

Last week's search involved 70 people and the police Eagle helicopter from Auckland.

Mr Haggas' funeral will be held today at St Luke's Anglican Church in Te Kuiti.