Police name Briar Stockley, 42, as the Rotorua woman found unresponsive in water near Lady Knox geyser

Briar Stockley died on December 21. A memorial service will be held for her in Auckland on January 9.

The woman who was pulled unresponsive from water near a famed Rotorua geyser last month has been remembered as an outgoing local mother of twins.

Police said Rotorua woman Briar Stockley, 42, died near the Lady Knox Geyser in Waiotapu on December 21.

Emergency services were title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/person-dies-after-being-pulled-from-water-near-waiotapu-geothermal-area/7NHD4VPK7FHWFDAKN7JPOC3QC4/">called to the scene near Waiotapu Loop Rd at 6.15am after reports of a sudden death.

Police previously said a person died after being pulled from the water unresponsive, and their death was being treated as unexplained.

Today’s statement said police had determined Stockley’s death was not suspicious and referred it to the coroner.

“Police extend our condolences to Briar’s loved ones over their loss,” the statement said.

Tributes to Stockley have been posted online.

A post by Simply Funerals said she was known for her outgoing nature, sharp intellect, wit and sense of humour.

The post said Stockley spent her early years living, studying and working in Auckland near her wider family.

Soon after the birth of her twin sons, she and her partner moved to Rotorua to be closer to her mother, who had relocated to the area.

The post said she had a profound bond with her mother, whose death in 2019 marked a significant loss.

“In Rotorua, Briar continued to share her vibrant personality and energy with those around her, with several friends sharing memories of Briar being the life of the party.”

Her legacy would live on through her sons and “through the many lives she touched with her kindness and strength”.

A memorial would be held on 1pm on Friday, January 9, at the Te Atatu Baptist Church in Auckland.

The Lady Knox Geyser can reach between 10 and 20 metres high and is a tourist attraction at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, about a 20-minute drive south of Rotorua.