The death of a 79-year-old Southland man, caused by old explosives, was a tragedy that could have been avoided, a coroner says. Mr Woodford had worked with his brother as a fencing contractor for 50 years and used the substance during his work to blow up rocks in the ground. In 2023, Mr Woodford attempted to return the explosives to the store where he purchased them but staff would not accept them. When he did not return, she contacted Mr Woodford’s brother who went to investigate. The coroner recommended police issue a reminder to staff that when a member of the public reported unused explosives, the NZDF explosive ordnance disposal unit be contacted.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 08, 2026 16:41 UTC