
Welcome back from the dead… An update for all the women in the recent fishing tournament. Heather MacDonald returned from Waikato Hospital and popped in to thank everyone for their contributions and kind comments. The image is Heather & Jen and the flower displays that greeted them on their return.

A Mayoral presentation is to be held at Turangi Council boardroom at 12.30 on 5 August Comments – to acknowledge the bravery of Kenny Drummond, for rescuing Heather from what could have been a drowning fatality in the Tongariro River.
If you wish to attend the Bravery Award ceremony, please advise TRM – email ross@tongarirorivermotel.co.nz – Council need to know how many they have to cater for.)
What a wonderful reception from some of over 80 comments received to welcome them back:

Rosalie Flynn Fantastic – Heather I bet that you’re enjoying being back home in your nest

Lisa Delany Fabulous ❤️

Gendi te Keepa Wonderful for you to be home and where you need to be. Love and light from the deep south xxx

Edreen Sheath Congratulations on wonderful return home. Get stronger and better day by day. Hugs.

Joane Clarke Good to hear this news today. Keep well you two. Love and best wishes Joane Clarke

Dorothy Corney We read about your claim to fame, what a shock for you both, stay happy and healthy and all the best Kind regards Dorothy and Murray Corney1

Michelle Krause So glad your home safe Aunty Heather!! Xx
- Kieren Hollings Michelle Krause me too So Good!

Sue Biggs Great photo so lovely you are home Big hugs to you both XX


Amanda Robertson Heather I’m so pleased to hear you’re back home. Jen must be happy to have you safely home. What an adventure all for a fish, beats any tall fish story ever! Just pleased you are alive and well. Take care and can’t wait for Jacinta to open that boarder so we can get back to Turangi. Cheers Amanda

Margaret Robins Welcome home Heather! An unbelievably fabulous outcome for you and Jen x

Sally Washington So pleased to see this good news. Much love dear Heather. S xxx

Lois Simpson Well done!

Lynda B Topp OMG
I saw the story in the news
Heather hope you are on the mend it must have been frightening for you and Jen big hugs to you both will have to come visit soon…

Jacquie Goldsmith No place like home! Rest up & enjoy. xx

Jane Selby Welcome home you two ! XJ

Wendy Lu Welcome home from hospital, Heather! So very happy to see this wonderful update…beautiful smiles and flowers!

Heidi Hannah-Jones Welcome home you two!

Didymo Dave Great to see you back in Turangi Heather Macdonald n Jen Shieff. The outpouring of concern n care is a reflection of how much we care about you both!

Carole Cornes Maggie told me how poorly you have been, I am so pleased to hear you are now home and getting back to your cheerful self. Xx

Louise Macdonald Fantastic news and big hugs to u both 😍😍

TRM Face book from June 29 ·
TRM have had several enquiries about the “incident” last Thursday when one of the lady participants was saved by local fishing guide Kenny Drummond. A huge vote of appreciation goes to Fishing guide Kenny Drummond who rescued her – I quote from her incident report:
“I want the world to know about the heroism of fishing guide Ken Drummond who waded out 25m into the current….. Their speed and skill saved her life, particularly Ken’s 150 compressions under guidance from his client Sue, a nurse. How lucky was that? Although X was unconscious after that and need a ventilator from the riverbank …. it was their swift capable action that saved her. The paramedics: Pihanga Health’s doctor Kitty and other staff, fire service, St. John’s, Police, Chopper pilots (Turangi to Taupo and then Taupo to Waikato) and the utterly brilliant ICU team at Waikato Hospital all continued the life-saving process. Skill, kindness, excellent communication at every step…… A completely unbelievable experience with an outcome that’s nothing short of miraculous….”
The official tournament report confirms she had hooked into a giant 10kg Rainbow Trout that dragged her downriver for about 100m. The trout was last seen dragging her rod & reel back to Lake Taupo. She won the top prize for the biggest catch & release for the Ladies Tournament. OK.