A coroner has issued a warning about the dangers of taking a "do-it-yourself" approach to risky tasks at home, following the death of a Southland man in a tree-felling accident.
Edwin Coulter, 54, died after being struck by a branch at an Invercargill property where his mother-in-law lived. The incident occurred during a tree-felling operation, according to the coroner's report released on August 10, 2026.
The coroner emphasized that tree felling is a high-risk activity that should be undertaken by trained professionals, not amateurs. The report highlighted the need for proper safety measures and risk assessments before attempting such work.
Authorities urge homeowners to hire qualified arborists for tree removal and to avoid DIY attempts that could lead to serious injury or death.
