Coroner recommends mandatory lifejackets for rock fishers

Wednesday 27 August 2025 · 6 outlets · 6 reports · updated Wed 27 Aug 2025, 8:07am

In this story Michael Robb

Coroner Michael Robb has called for urgent law changes to make lifejackets compulsory for rock fishers. The recommendation follows the deaths of three men at Papanui Point near Raglan, where none of the victims were wearing lifejackets. At least 24 people have died at the Waikato fishing spot.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZWed 27 Aug 2025, 4:59am

   Coroner wants law change to make life jackets mandatory for rock fishers (opens in new tab)

2. StuffWed 27 Aug 2025, 5:00am

   No lifejackets a common factor in deaths at notorious fishing spot (opens in new tab)

3. Waikato TimesWed 27 Aug 2025, 5:00am

   'Not worth a few snappers': Fisherman urges closure of deadly Papanui Point fishing spot (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsWed 27 Aug 2025, 6:00am

   Coroner recommends lifejackets be mandated when rock fishing (opens in new tab)

5. The Post via Waikato TimesWed 27 Aug 2025, 7:22am

   Two dozen deaths: Warning too late for rock fishing spot (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

6. NZ HeraldWed 27 Aug 2025, 8:07am

   Coroner calls for mandatory life jackets after three fishing deaths (opens in new tab)