Drowning victim is named

A 19-year-old man who drowned in the Rangitïkei River nears Bulls yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 19 January) has been named as Steven Tuanau from Bulls.

Mr Tuanau was attempting to float down a segment of the river when it appears he got caught on a submerged log about five to six metres from the shore.

Attempts by friends and emergency services to revive him were unsuccessful. The death has been referred to the Coroner.