Hooded man storms field, punches player in schoolboy rugby game between Gisborne and Napier Boys' High
Police are investigating an alleged assault during a schoolboy rugby game where a hooded man stormed the field during an altercation and punched a player.
Friday's Super 8 Rugby First XV game between Napier Boys' High School and Gisborne Boys' High School was disrupted during the first half when
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NZ Herald
30-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Hooded man storms field, punches player in schoolboy rugby game between Gisborne and Napier Boys' High
Police are investigating an alleged assault during a schoolboy rugby game where a hooded man stormed the field during an altercation and punched a player. Friday's Super 8 Rugby First XV game between Napier Boys' High School and Gisborne Boys' High School was disrupted during the first half when
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Mother of slain Napier teen Kaea Karauria‘s plea for truth in stabbing death
In a public post on social media, Kaea's mum, Kym Baker, has urged anyone who knows the truth and has information that could lead to those involved being caught to break their silence. 'Please help us find justice for my Son,' Baker wrote. ' Kaea Loughlin Karauria was taken from us on Mother's Day in the most heartbreaking way. And still, we have no answers. 'My whānau is living in a constant state of grief and unanswered questions. Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest piece of information could make the biggest difference.' Previously, Kaea's dad, Ren Karauria, has taken to social media saying: 'I want to know any info about who stabbed my son. Pm me'. Kaea died at the scene on Alexander Ave, Onekawa, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff. His death led to an outpouring of grief in Hawke's Bay, including from the three schools the respected student had attended in his young life, and from a number of sports teams the promising rugby player represented. In her post, Baker wrote of some of the anguish his family had endured since his tragic death. 'Please, we are living this nightmare without our son,' she wrote. 'If you saw anything, heard anything, or know anything, I beg you to come forward. 'Do it for a Mother who wakes up every day in pain. Do it for a Dad internally fighting himself everyday. Do it for two babies adjusting to life. Do it for my son a life that mattered deeply. 'These clowns still go home to their whānau, my baby is gone forever. The longer they remain free, the longer our streets remain unsafe for all of our babies!' Her post added: 'Please do the right thing.' Kaea was farewelled at a service at Napier Boys' High School, the secondary school he proudly attended. He was then buried next to his Pāpā Victor at Moteo Urupā, Puketapu. Police today issued a further appeal 'urging' anyone with information to 'tell the truth' as they hunt Kaea's killer. Detective Inspector Martin James, Eastern district manager criminal investigations, said investigating officers had 'built a picture of what happened and are now drilling into the detail'. 'We have covered off the route taken by Kaea on the night and a timeline of events,' James said. 'We cannot comment on the specifics of the investigation at this stage but what I would say is we know some of the people we have spoken to may not have been truthful and we urge them to reconsider what they said and contact the team through 0800 852 525.' James said a 20-strong team of police investigators were working on the case. They were 'committed to bringing the offenders to account'. Police were aware of comments being made on social media alleging motives behind the killing and the possible identities of potential people of interest. James added: 'We would urge anyone who knows something to speak to the investigation team. James did not respond specifically to questions from the New Zealand Herald if persons of interest had since fled from Hawke's Bay or were being helped in avoiding police attention. Kaea was an accomplished student at the school; both in the classroom and in the sporting arena. Napier Boys' High School, Tamatea Intermediate School and Porritt Primary School have all posted heartfelt tributes the teen who they remembered as excelling in the classroom and in his sporting and cultural endeavours. He was also remembered fondly by the Napier Pirates Rugby & Sports Club and also Hawke's Bay Māori Rugby - Te Matau a Māui, who he played age-grade club and rep rugby for. Baker had previously said Kaea's selection last year for the under-16 Hawke's Bay Māori team had been a big milestone for the teen and his family. Kaea was 'proud' to be following in the legacy of his grandfather Max Loughlin who went on to play for Hawke's Bay and New Zealand Māori. >> Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105, using the reference number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Napier homicide: Kaea Karauria to be farewelled with haka, gang connection rumours ‘damaging' and untrue
Police have set up a phoneline for those wanting to share information about the incident - people can leave a message on 0800 852 525. Kaea was an accomplished student at the school; both in the classroom and in the sporting arena. Since Wednesday, his body has been lying in state at his family home, about 2km from where he suffered fatal stab wounds on an Onekawa street early Sunday morning. Kaea spent last night surrounded by loved ones at a family home in Napier. Today the teen homicide victim will be farewelled at Napier Boys' High School with a service starting at 11am. He will then be buried next to his grandfather, Pāpā Victor at Moteo Urupā, Puketapu. Numerous haka will be performed during the service, including the final one – Tika Tonu – to be conducted by his uncles. Composed around the turn of the 20th century, the haka is regarded as highly sacred by the local Ngāti Kahungunu iwi. Te Taitimu Trust – whose role includes developing future Māori leaders in Hawke's Bay – says the haka is 'of challenge, struggle, perseverance and achievement. 'It is often used at events such as 21st birthdays and graduations. It is also used at tangi, to pay homage and respect to those who have guided young people through difficult times.' Kaea was found critically injured at a property on Alexander Ave, Onekawa, when police responded to a 111 call after a disorder event on Dinwiddie Ave about 3am Sunday. Tragically, he died at the scene from his wounds. Another teen was located at another address with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital but later discharged. Police are still seeking Kaea's killer. Detective Inspector Martin James, Eastern district manager criminal investigations, has said police appreciated the information they had received so far; including anonymously and via an online portal set up for videos and photos of the altercation. 'A number of investigators are working to determine what occurred and why, and we urge anyone who can assist our inquiries to contact us as soon as possible.' The Herald reported earlier this week how Kaea's father, Ren, had also appealed for any 'info about who stabbed my son'. A huge outpouring of grief across the Hawke's Bay community has followed Kaea's death. Tributes have not only been made by his family and friends, but by all three schools he attended. Napier Boys' High School, Tamatea Intermediate School and Porritt Primary School have all posted heartfelt tributes over the past few days honouring a boy who they remembered as excelling in the classroom and in his sporting and cultural endeavours. He was also remembered fondly by the Napier Pirates Rugby & Sports Club and also Hawke's Bay Māori Rugby - Te Matau a Māui, who he played age-grade club and rep rugby for. His mother, Kym Baker, has said Kaea's selection last year for the under-16 Hawke's Bay Māori team had been a big milestone for the teen and his family. Kaea was 'proud' to be following in the legacy of his grandfather Max Loughlin who went on to play for Hawke's Bay and New Zealand Māori. >> Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105, using the reference number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
