Wakaya owners label TVNZ story reckless

The owners of Wakaya Island have labeled a story run by TVNZ which claims that a New Zealand family were prohibited from burying their son on a piece of land they own on the island as irresponsible and distorted.

Rita Lynch whose 22yr old son died of a brain tumor two weeks ago claimed to New Zealand=s One News Close up program that their attempt to transport the body of their son to the Island was allegedly prevented when her husband Ken Chambers received a threatening call from a staff member on the island resort.

However in a statement the owners of Wakaya say this is not true as well as the Chambers claims that they own one and three quarter acres of land on the island.

It goes on to say that the Chambers do not own any land on Wakaya either on their own or in partnership with anyone else, and this can be easily verified through a title search.

The owners say that being a privately owned island, Chambers cannot attain access to the island without permission, nor does he have any right, legal or otherwise to access the island or use it as a cemetery.

The statement goes on to say that the papers shown to TVNZ by Chambers were not ownership papers and TVNZ was irresponsible in not verifying whether Chambers actually owned the property on the island or not.

The owners also state that the story which appeared on TVNZ is distorted and based on basic untruths to sensationalize a tragic incident, and legal action for defamation and damages is now being pursued against TVNZ.
 

They add that it would seem that TVNZ, having spent time and funds to cover a story in Fiji, have done so recklessly and in haste without checking the facts, even though these were presented to them.

Meanwhile a High Court order is in place preventing Chambers and his servants or agents from carrying out the illegal act of entering and burying his deceased son on Wakaya.

The lawyer representing Wakaya Island Resort confirmed to Fijivillage that a decision on the injunction is expected to be made on Monday.


Story by: Ana Naisoro