Closure of notorious fishing spot near Raglan 'not viable' despite deaths

Closure of notorious fishing spot near Raglan 'not viable' despite deaths

By Rachel Moore

Source: stuff

4/4/2022

Credit: Kelly Hodel/Stuff

The closure of a notorious fishing spot that has claimed more than 30 lives is not “viable” or “appropriate”, a government agency says.

More than 30 people have lost their lives while fishing at Papanui Point, on Waikato's rugged west coast. Some people slipped and fell off the rocks, while others were hit by unexpected waves.

The Department of Conservation says the continued fatalities are a human behaviour issue, and the Waikato District Council says the onus is the individual to stay safe.

Both were looking to install signs at the point – which was 40 minutes south of Raglan in Ruapuke, and urged people not to fish there.