Canyoning film 'fills in pieces of puzzle'

[Iceaxe]

Canyoning film 'fills in pieces of puzzle'
By Nathan Beaumont - The Dominion Post

A documentary that retraces the moments before the death of seven people in the Mangatepopo canyoning disaster has provided "pieces of the puzzle" for a grieving family.

Jumping in Puddles tells the story of Natasha Bray, who was killed when she was swept away by flash floods in the Mangatepopo Stream, near Turangi, and takes the name from her personal motto that challenged people to live life to the fullest.

The 25-minute documentary includes a scene that retraces 16-year-old Natasha's final moments before she jumped in the swollen river.

The Elim Christian College pupil's family, who were at the site when the scene was filmed, said it had helped them grieve.

"The film-makers were initially going to use that footage to end the film but it was so awesome they ended up using a lot of it," Natasha's father, Andy Bray, said.

"It's very emotional. Every parent wants to know how a loved one met their death. There are a lot of questions and we wanted to know all the little details. This film has helped fill in pieces of the puzzle."

Mr Bray said he was thrilled that someone wanted to make a documentary about his daughter because it kept her memory alive.

"As a father of a daughter who was so outstanding, to have my daughter's legacy live on is brilliant. I miss her more than you could imagine.

"The film is a message to young people to get out of their comfort zone and live life to fullest. Natasha was an amazing person and crammed a lot into her little 16 years. She lived her life well."

Mr Bray said Natasha's motto, jumping in puddles, summed up her attitude to life.

Her parents learned of the saying the day before she was due to leave for the canyoning trip. It was pouring with rain and they asked if she would be scared about going on the trip if it was still raining.

"She told us about this saying and said whatever the weather she would still make the most of it. Life was too short, she said. It was a great saying and it summed her up perfectly."

The film's co-producer and director, Jonathan Warner, said Natasha not only left behind memories, but also a unique way of looking at life.

"She sounded like such an awesome person and an inspiration to many people. We wanted to get her message out there."

Mr Warner's company recorded all the funerals for those killed in the tragedy and was so moved by Natasha's life story that he felt compelled to make a documentary.

He hoped the film, which premieres in Auckland on March 18, would inspire young New Zealanders to follow their dreams.

Elim College principal Murray Burton said he would encourage families from the school to watch the film together. It could also be shown at the school.