Editorial: Let's keep safe in the great outdoors

We are so lucky in Rotorua to have so many natural wonders to enjoy.

We're often reminded to enjoy our surroundings from forests, lakes and geothermal wonders in Rotorua, to beaches and bushlands just a short drive away.

However, while stunningly beautiful, entertaining and as exciting as it all can be - there is also danger.

In the last week we have been reminded of just this.

In last Saturday's paper, we covered two separate incidents where lives had been lost while doing outdoor activities.

We covered the sentencing of two men - Tony Wayne Sargison and James Trevor Worsnop - who killed their friend Andrew Wroe in a boating tragedy on Lake Ohakuri.

That same day, we revealed Rotorua man James Dodds, 30, affectionately known as Dodzy, was killed when he was shot while out hunting with a mate.

Yesterday, Dodzy was farewelled at a funeral service under the sails in the Redwoods, attended by about 1000 people - and today we share some of the funeral moments with our readers.

While we're encouraged to take advantage of all we have to offer, we also have to remember safety.

Many of us take risks while doing everyday activities, whether it's walking across a road in front of traffic, not indicating while driving or dangerously taking part in activities.

Anything can happen at any time in nature's playground - so let's be safe.

What do you think?

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.