This from PerthNow website...


A KITEBOARDER killed in a freak accident on Christmas Eve was a German national who moved to New Zealand for a simpler life, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Ruben Laas was riding a kiteboard - similar to a large skateboard attached to a sail - on sandflats near Nelson on New Zealand's South Island when a gust of wind lifted him 65 feet (20m) into the air and flung him into trees more than 3200 feet (1km) away.
His wife Heather watched in horror as the 35-year-old crashed into farmland.
Sergeant Shane Miles said the police inquiry being conducted for the coroner would focus on whether Mr Laas was using the correct kite sail for the weather conditions.
His boss, Gary Donaldson, told the NZ Herald Mr Laas was an accountant in Germany but moved to New Zealand to enjoy a simpler life, working as a driller and a part-time photographer.
Both he and his wife were experienced at a kiteboarding (on land) and kitesurfing (on water).


Condolences to his family and friends