No charges to be laid against missing trampers despite lockdown

 

 
The missing trampers who sparked a massive search and rescue operation in Kahurangi National Park will not face any charges even though they were on a risky multi-day tramp, which was forbidden during level 3 lockdown.

Dion Reynolds and Jessica O'Connor were found on Wednesday after 19 days lost in rugged terrain, at times in bad weather and totally out of food, but suffering only minor injuries.

The 23-year-olds entered the bush on May 8, even though New Zealand had been told to stay at home as much as possible and only to engage in low-risk activities that would avoid the need for rescues or medical care. That included restricting tramping to day walks on easy trails.

Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Paul Borrell told Checkpoint the trampers, who are now both safe and well, will not receive a formal warning because getting lost is not an offence.