Pasifika, Māori called to reclaim ocean tradition and safety culture to reduce drowning rates

Excerpt from rnz.co.nz

A water safety advocate is urging Pacific and Māori men to restore respect and connection with the ocean after a coroner found that safety lapses contributed to a fatal boating incident near Auckland.

The Coroner's report, released this week, details the drowning of 51-year-old Tēvita Moeakiola, who died after his fibreglass boat capsized near Bucklands Beach in June 2022.

Moeakiola, a carpenter and church leader from Manurewa, was described as a humble and generous man who loved fishing. He was on a trip with his brother-in-law, Pita Setefano, and workmate Tevita Havili when the boat's engine slowed down and waves began to flood the vessel.

The men were thrown overboard as the bow lifted and the boat overturned. While the others managed the 30-minute swim to shore, Moeakiola, a confident swimmer, did not make it. His body was recovered the following day.