Key Takeaways
- A man named Robert (Piripi) John Kihi Mita Taupopoki Phillips, a tour guide and evening experience duty manager at Te Puia, died following a medical event at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
- Phillips was remembered as a "real character" and a "long-term and much-loved member of our Te Puia whānau" by his colleagues.
- He had made a significant contribution to the tourist attraction, hosting visitors for over 20 years.
- A rāhui was placed over The Blueys, the geothermal pool where Phillips was found unresponsive, until further notice.
- Phillips’ body was led through a final tour of Te Puia with a large procession of whānau, friends, and colleagues before being taken to Whakarewarewa Village.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley on Sunday, resulting in the death of a man who was a well-respected member of the community. The man, who was later identified as Robert (Piripi) John Kihi Mita Taupopoki Phillips, was a tour guide and evening experience duty manager at the popular tourist attraction Te Puia. Phillips was found unresponsive in the water at The Blueys, a geothermal pool located near the base of the Pōhutu Geyser, and despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Victim and His Contribution
Phillips was remembered by his colleagues as a "real character" who had made a significant contribution to Te Puia over the years. According to Tim Cossar, the chief executive of Te Puia, Phillips had been hosting visitors for over 20 years and had become a beloved member of the Te Puia whānau. Cossar described Phillips as someone who leaves a big gap in the community, and his passing will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Phillips’ love for the valley and his dedication to sharing its beauty and significance with visitors from around the world had earned him a special place in the hearts of those who worked with him.
The Response to the Incident
Emergency services were called to the scene around 9:40 pm on Sunday, and despite their best efforts, Phillips was unable to be revived. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and a rāhui was placed over The Blueys on Monday morning by Te Paetapu o Te Pākira Marae until further notice. A rāhui is a traditional Māori prohibition or ban that is placed over a area or object, and in this case, it is a sign of respect for Phillips and a way to acknowledge the significance of the event. The rāhui will remain in place until further notice, and it is a reminder of the importance of respecting the cultural and spiritual significance of the area.
The Funeral Procession
Phillips’ body was led through a final tour of Te Puia with a large procession of whānau, friends, and colleagues before being taken to Whakarewarewa Village, where he was received at Te Pākira Marae. The procession was a poignant reminder of the impact that Phillips had on the community, and it was a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to sharing the beauty and significance of the valley with others. The procession was also a way for the community to come together and pay their respects to Phillips, and it was a powerful display of the love and respect that he had earned during his time at Te Puia.
Conclusion and Reflection
The death of Robert (Piripi) John Kihi Mita Taupopoki Phillips is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with those around us. Phillips’ passing has left a big gap in the community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. However, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time at Te Puia, and his love for the valley will continue to inspire and educate visitors from around the world. As the community comes to terms with the loss of a beloved member, it is clear that Phillips’ memory will be honored and celebrated for years to come.
