25 July 2020

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Man burnt in Wai-o-tapu geothermal swimming area

Enquiry

A man named Brad Scrivener has posted a Facebook message saying he was taking a hot soak at HotNCold down at Wai-O-Tapu three days ago and when he went to get out in ankle-deep water near the stairs he noticed the bank was eroded.

When took a step forward he dropped down through the mud to his knee.

Scrivener said his leg was instantly blistered and swollen and the hospital had confirmed he suffered first and second-degree burns to his foot and lower leg.

In the post, he also said he had contacted the council about putting up signage in the area to warn offers, but so far three days later the council is yet to got back to him.

He says he's concerned other bathers may not be aware of the hidden Tomo in the mud with boiling water inside.

Can the council confirm Mr Scrivener has alerted the council to this matter and what action the council has taken in regards to this matter?

Has any signage been placed in the area or is any to be placed there?

Have there been any recent complaints to the council of a similar nature? If so, please elaborate?

Response

The following information was provided:

We are unable to confirm Mr Scrivener's call to Council within the deadline you've given but can confirm that the location of the swimming area where he was is privately owned, so he may have been referred to the landowners. The area was previously managed by the Department of Conservation.

Council staff are following up to ensure the landowners are aware of the situation and can take any appropriate action. A Council representative has also been trying to make contact directly with Mr Scrivener but has not yet been able to reach him.