Statement - Survivor Mt Ruapehu Fall

Colin Lightbody, 41, an IT consultant from Malvern East, Melbourne,
Australia who survived a 200 metre fall from Mt Ruapehu yesterday asked
us to release the following statement. Colin is in a stable condition in
Waikato Hospital. He has two broken ankles, multiple abrasions and
bruising.

Statement follows:

"My friend Peter Ittak and I had hiked up to The Dome and were
descending the same way. It was 6.20pm.

"We were about an hour or so away from the ski lift when I walked
through an area with chunks of ice and soft snow. I stepped on an icy
lump, which collapsed under my weight and caused me to lose my footing.

"Peter estimated I then fell 200m down the snow face vertically and
600-800 in distance. Peter dug out a seat in the slope for me to sit in
then moved quickly to get help.

"Peter from the ski patrol coordinated the rescue effort with help
from the snow-making team."

"I want to thank Peter, Dan and others from the ski patrol, Shane who
drove me down on a groomer, Jason and others from the snow-making team,
Graham and Darryl the paramedics, Police Search and Rescue, Hendry the
pilot of the Youthtown Rescue Helicoper and all the medical staff at
Waikato Hospital."

ENDS