NEW ZEALAND CANYONING TRAGEDY

18 April 2008

MESSAGE FROM
HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL JEFFERY AC CVO MC (RETD)
GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
TO
HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE ANAND SATYANAND PCNZM QSO
GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND

All Australians have been shocked and saddened by the tragic canyoning accident which occurred in the Tongariro National Park on 15 April 2008.

Marlena joins me and all Australians in expressing our deepest sympathies and profound condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The spontaneous reaction of sympathy in Australia reflects the close ties that exist between our peoples, and brings back memories of similar emotions expressed in the Interlaken canyoning tragedy in Switzerland in 1999 in which 14 Australians and two New Zealanders lost their lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand at this very sad time.