Manawatū River drowning victims named by police

Wednesday, 12 January 2022

A Samoan flag flies from a memorial set up beside the Manawatū River at Ahimate Park to remember the two men who drowned on January 2.

The names of two men who drowned in the Manawatū River have been released by police.

Palmerston North residents Toetu Tonisitino, 39 and Aukusitino Ioane, 25, went missing on January 2 after swimming in Ahimate Beach along the Manawatū River, the same area a woman and child had drowned less than a week earlier.

It was reported that people had tried to save them but were unsuccessful. The river is known for having steep drops.

The bodies of the two men were recovered later that same day.

Mourners gather beside the Manawatū River to remember Mu Mu, 27, and Blae Ler Paw, 11, who both drowned there on December 29, 2021. First published January 6, 2022.

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A rāhui had been placed on the river while a rescue team continued to look for a woman who had drowned on December 29, but between 50 and 60 people were seen swimming in the river on January 2.

The four drownings sparked a public call to permanently ban swimming in the river.

The rāhui remains in place.