Ōpōtiki College group visiting Pakihi hut airlifted out after slips; school to review incident

An investigation is underway following a school trip from Ōpōtiki College that proceeded to a backcountry hut despite a weather warning, leading to a helicopter evacuation due to compromised walking tracks from heavy rain. The Year 12 group, consisting of 11 students, a teacher, and an adult helper, was based at the six-bunk Pakihi Hut in the Urutawa Conservation Area, which offers camping space and is situated along the Pakihi Track. The severe weather caused flooding, road closures, and prompted rescues in the eastern Bay of Plenty region.

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