logo
Much-loved businessman killed on fishing trip in Fiordland remembered

Much-loved businessman killed on fishing trip in Fiordland remembered

RNZ News3 days ago
The missing boat was found shortly after midnight at in Safe Cove on Lake Manapouri.
Photo:
An Invercargill businessman who was
found dead while on a fishing trip in Fiordland
is being remembered as full of energy and passion.
Southland KIA confirmed on social media that its dealer principal Rick Murrell had died, calling him a much-loved figure in the Southland community, who was larger-than-life, quick witted, and "a character that everyone admired and enjoyed being around".
A search was launched when two experienced fishermen did not return from a fishing trip on Lake Manapouri on Sunday night and failed to check in via radio.
A local helicopter located the boat in Safe Cove about 12.30am with both men onboard.
The other man was taken to hospital in a serious condition, and police said he was recovering well.
Police are investigating his death on behalf of the coroner.
Southland KIA said Murrell lived life on his own terms and made the most of every moment.
"Ricky passed away while enjoying one of his greatest passions, time on his boat, in the dramatic and beautiful scenery of Fiordland," his workplace said.
"Fiordland holds a deep and personal history for the Murrell family, making it all the more poignant that Ricky spent his final moments in a place so closely tied to his roots."
He left behind his wife and three children.
"Ricky will be remembered for his dedication to family, passionate friendship, his laughter, and his sense of adventure," the company said.
"He will be deeply missed."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Watch: NZ man sentenced for drunken assault during Perth-Auckland flight
Watch: NZ man sentenced for drunken assault during Perth-Auckland flight

RNZ News

time4 hours ago

  • RNZ News

Watch: NZ man sentenced for drunken assault during Perth-Auckland flight

A New Zealand man has been sentenced for drunkenly assaulting two airline crew on a flight from Perth to Auckland. His actions resulted in the plane being diverted to Melbourne. This week, the 23-year-old was sentenced by the County Court of Victoria to six months' imprisonment, to be released immediately on a two-year good behaviour bond. He was also ordered to pay the airline $10,824 (NZ$11,834) in compensation. Australian Federal Police were called to reports of an intoxicated and disruptive passenger on 23 October, 2024. The man refused to comply with requests from two crew members and assaulted both, causing minor injuries. Police said officers boarded the plane once it landed at Melbourne Aircraft and removed the passenger, who had been restrained at the back of the aircraft. He pleaded guilty on 17 April, 2025, to two counts of assaulting crew of an aircraft. Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said airline staff deserved to feel safe in their workplace and not be subjected to violence and aggression from passengers . "Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, and in this instance, also inconvenience passengers onboard," he said. "The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safety of workers or the public in or around an airport, or on flights." Officers boarded the plane once it landed at Melbourne Aircraft and removed the passenger, who had been restrained at the back of the aircraft. Photo: Supplied / Australian Federal Police Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

New Zealand not part of 'trifecta' with Cook Islands and China, Winston Peters says
New Zealand not part of 'trifecta' with Cook Islands and China, Winston Peters says

RNZ News

time6 hours ago

  • RNZ News

New Zealand not part of 'trifecta' with Cook Islands and China, Winston Peters says

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, left, and Cook Islands Prime MinisterMark Brown. Photo: RNZ/Pacific Islands Forum/123RF Winston Peters says the Cook Islands has described its relationship with New Zealand as "part of a trifecta" when dealing with China. The comment from the New Zealand foreign minister comes at a time of increased tension between Cook Islands and New Zealand. At the heart of that tension is four agreements Cook Islands signed with China in February. Peters told Pacific Waves "there are things going wrong". He also rejected Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown's position that the two nations had a reciprocal relationship , therefore neither had to consult one another on foreign trade arrangements. "They were required under our arrangement and agreement to consult with us when these matters might affect more widely themselves but also other countries and our relationship," Peters said. "To describe us as part of a trifecta when we've got the special relationship for 60 years is utterly wrong." A spokesman for Peters clarified Peters was referring to the way New Zealand had effectively been described as a third-party by the Cook Islands in its agreements with China. Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand. Under that arrangement, implemented in 1965, the country governed its own affairs, but New Zealand provided assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief and defence. Despite that, the current diplomatic rift has resulted in a pause in funding of $18.2 million by the New Zealand government. That occurred last month. And while there have been ongoing discussions between the two nations, this week Prime Minister Mark Brown told a Cook Islands audience that if New Zealand could not afford to fund the country's national infrastructure investment plan - funding the development needs of the Cook Islands was a major motivator in signing the agreements with China. Peters' responded by challenging Brown to call a referendum - a position he doubled-down on when he spoke to Pacific Waves . "They can let us know whether they want the relationship or whether they want independence," he said. "Because if you behave like you want independence, then above all, that, should be up to the Cook Islands people to decide, not just a temporarily-empowered politician or government." The whole population of the Cook Islands should have a say, he said. "Politicians come and go, governments come and go, ministers come and go. But our purpose is to ensure the long-term, enduring relationship between the New Zealand people and the Cook Islands people." Peters also touched on previous disagreements with the Cook Islands over its sovereignty and foreign policy arrangements. "There were times in the past when this issue arose and we had agreements and pacts, declarations or statements … to give us the parameters of our future relationship, as we last did in [2001] under Helen Clark and [Terepai] Moate, who was then the prime minister of the Cook Islands. "And here we are, 24 years … on and that has been called into question. So we are saying… if it's going to change, then we are accountable to the Cook Islands people. Next month, the Cook Islands celebrates its 60th constitution anniversary. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro was due to attend as the New Zealand government's representative. Peters and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have said they would not attend - a move that has been labelled a snub amidst the break-down in bilateral relations. Peters said Kiro was the appropriate representative from New Zealand. "We're sending the highest person constitutionally in our country to go… this is very fitting."

Search underway for elderly woman missing from Bishopdale, Christchurch
Search underway for elderly woman missing from Bishopdale, Christchurch

RNZ News

time6 hours ago

  • RNZ News

Search underway for elderly woman missing from Bishopdale, Christchurch

Beryl is missing from the Christchurch suburb of Bishopdale. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police A search is underway for a 79-year-old who was reported missing in the Christchurch suburb of Bishopdale on Thursday afternoon. Police said that the woman named Beryl had a medical condition and that officers and her family were concerned for her well-being. She was last seen wearing a grey or light green hoodie and dark blue trackpants. Anyone who has any information on her whereabouts is urged to call police on 105. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store