Parents' grief inspires others

Marsella and Wiremu (Lee) Edmonds are taking their message to South Africa. Photo / Stephen Parker

A talk that relives the grief experienced by a Rotorua couple will be the keynote speech at a health and safety conference in South Africa in front of thousands of delegates.

Marsella and Wiremu (Lee) Edmonds lost their son Robert Ruri-Epapara in a forestry accident in March 2013.

Stand in the Gap, a principles and values-based presentation to encourage leadership, was born from their grief. The talk, which includes details of their son's death, has been delivered to more than 8000 people across New Zealand and is now crossing industries, but this is the first time it will be presented overseas.

The couple fly out on Saturday for a 10-day trip where they will give three presentations. The main event is the Focus on Forest Engineering conference, which the Edmonds will open in front of 3500 delegates.

They will also give presentations at Bell Equipment's head office and factory. The company is a world leader in forestry equipment.

"The message that we share isn't just for the forestry industry," Mr Edmonds said.

"It's become industry-wide. We're representing ourselves as parents and then representing our families and friends who have held us up. We're also representing industry leaders of this country, their workers and because of my role with the ACC steering committee I'm representing every man and their families in New Zealand and every soldier who has been lost in the industry before and after our son.

"It's not just about our son any more. It's about standing in the gap for the weak, the strong and the people who are looking for a little bit of courage - people who want to be inspired."

John Deere, Waratah and Bell Equipment have sponsored the trip.

After months of the talks being delivered by Mr Edmonds, Mrs Edmonds also now takes to the floor to share her experience. "Emotionally it's quite draining. We're reliving it each time we share the presentation. A lot of people have asked me as a mum, how do I do it?

'When you have been to the abyss of pain you don't want any other mum to experience that. It's something we will live with for the rest of our lives.

"If I can contribute to young men making the right decision and that helps save one life, then I've achieved something."

Major Nelson, the foreman in charge on the day of Mr Ruri-Epapara's death, admitted a charge under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 that he, as an employee, failed to take all practicable steps to prevent an action of his at work, namely felling a tree, from causing harm to Mr Ruri-Epapara. He was fined $35,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $15,000.

He has lodged an appeal against his sentence, which is due to be heard next year.