Latest news with #KaeaKarauria
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
'We are living a nightmare every day'; Kaea Karauria's parents appeal for help after death
By Moana Maniapoto and Hikurangi Kimiora Jackson, Te Ao with Moana Kaea Karauria's whānau. Photo: Te Ao With Moana Hawke's Bay couple Ren Karauria and Kym Baker barely held it together as they spoke exclusively with reporter Hikurangi Kimiora Jackson (Te Ao with Moana) to talk through the tragic death of their son Kaea Karauria. Just weeks before his 16th birthday, Kaea was attacked and fatally stabbed at a birthday party in the Napier suburb of Onekawa on 11 May. He died in the early hours of Mother's Day - as an ambulance crew tried to save him. "He had a big heart," sobbed the young boy of his big brother; a sentiment echoed by his grief-stricken mother Kym: "He loved his nannies." A month on, the 20-strong police team investigating the killing has still not made an arrest or laid charges. Until now, inquiries have been met with a wall of silence, despite around 50 people attending the 18th birthday party where Kaea was fatally stabbed. The whānau invited Hikurangi into their home to speak publicly for the first time, hoping their appeal might prompt someone to come forward. Their social media appeals have, so far, gone unanswered. They describe Kaea as a "handsome 6'3" young man who was 'a good sports player' - an understatement, because Kaea showed real promise as a rugby player, having made all the local rep teams. They said he was creative and artistic and academically done really well. They spoke of a young man just getting into the swing of teenage life and who openly shared that with his parents. Photo: Te Ao With Moana / Aotearoa Maori Rugby League To Ren's eternal regret, there was an argument between him and Kaea on the night of the party that they never got the chance to resolve "I didn't want him to go. Anyway, long story short, he ended up going and he came to the door and said goodbye to me. And because I was angry and I didn't want him to go, I didn't say anything. But his brother said, you know, see you. But I just wish I had said goodbye…told him I loved him." Last weekend, Kaea's parents attended a special rugby match to honour their son. It was between Napier Boys High School and Hastings Boys High School; Kaea had been a student at both. The couple said it helped restore their faith in community. Now they're appealing to the power of community to help identify those responsible for their son's death. Ren also claimed there have been threats and intimidation of potential witnesses. He appealed to those in the know who feel frightened or threatened, urging them to "do the right thing," come forward and understand the power of the community "who are willing to get behind them". Ren was also keen to address rumours that the family had gang affiliations; an allegation they flatly deny, despite some extended whānau members being patched. He believes the rumours may have been fueled by photographs of Kaea that have been "taken out of context" and "misconstrued". "Even if that was the case," declared Ren, "It doesn't make it right, you know. It doesn't mean that he deserved to be taken away from us like this." The family are also traumatised by their understanding that so many people were around their son and did not help him. Ren's message is clear: "Do the right thing and otherwise you're going to have to carry that for the rest of your life. You shouldn't have to carry something like that for someone else." "We might be able to go back out into our community and feel safer. We might be able to get more rest and start to heal." Anyone with information is asked to make a report online to New Zealand Police, or by calling 105, using the reference number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Or by DM to Te Ao with Moana on its social media platforms. - This story was first published by Te Ao Māori News
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- RNZ News
'I beg you to come forward': Kaea Karauria's mother makes public plea for help
Kaea Karauria. Photo: Facebook / Simplicity Bereavement Services - Āniwaniwa Funerals The mother of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria, who was killed nearly two weeks ago, is pleading for those who were at a party where he died to tell the police the truth about what happened. Karauria was found critically injured with stab wounds in Onekawa on Alexander Avenue at about 3am Sunday, 11 May. Despite all efforts by ambulance staff, he died at the scene. Police are yet to find his killer and a team of 20 investigators are working on the homicide case. Detective Inspector Martin James told RNZ that a group of 16 to 18 year olds, who were at the party with Kaea that night, are withholding information from Police. "We are being challenged by a number of people, probably six or seven, who are not telling us the truth and we are aware of that. "If they were to tell us the truth it would expedite the investigation to probably almost a closure," he said. Kaea Karauria was found critically injured with stab wounds on Alexander Avenue at about 3am Sunday, 11 May. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook Karauria's mother Kym Baker posted on social media asking for people to "please help us find justice for my son". "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. "Please, we are living this nightmare without our son. If you saw anything, heard anything, or know anything, I beg you to come forward," she said. Karauria was stabbed on Mothers' Day during a fight after a party of about 50 people gathered on Dinwiddie Avenue in Onekawa. Baker urged those who know what happened to contact police. "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! Please do the right thing," said Kym. Police at Dinwiddie Avenue after the stabbing took place. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook Detective Inspector Martin James told RNZ police have now talked to over 50 people who were in and around Dinwiddie Avenue on the night of the stabbing. He said a lot of photographs have been uploaded to the police portal anonymously, and those who took them need to speak to the investigators. "What we need now is the people who put those into the portal to come and talk to us. "Those people who were at the party and know what happened hold valuable information," he said. If people aren't coming forward because they're worried about their safety, then police said they can talk through a number of options to keep them safe. James said the reluctance of those witnesses to come forward is slowing the investigation down. "It's incredibly frustrating for our investigation team. This week we've executed a number of search warrants in relation to this. "We've seized vehicles and have a number of items being forensically examined. We will get to the bottom of who is involved. Having the eye witness account of what occurred would certainly take us to that next level," said James. He said it's been a big investigation and there are a number of people they are interested in. He said the are determined to find who killed Karauria. "I'd like to thank my investigation team for the effort they're putting in. They've been working on this case for 11 or 12 days now and they don't lose sight of getting closure for Kaea's family," he said. Police are reiterating that Karauria's family and this homicide have no connections to any gangs. Karauria has been remembered as a quiet and respectful student who was full of 'creativity and skill'. In a post on social media, Napier Boys High School said Karauria's death had deeply saddened their community. "His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside." Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105. Footage can be uploaded anonymously here - Please quote the reference number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- RNZ News
Police urge people to tell truth over Kaea Karauria's death
Kaea Karauria. Photo: Facebook / Simplicity Bereavement Services - Āniwaniwa Funerals Police investigating the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Napier are urging people to tell the truth about what happened on the night he died. Kaea Karauria was found critically injured in Onekawa on Alexander Avenue at about 3am Sunday, 11 May. Despite all efforts by ambulance staff, he died at the scene. Police are yet to find his killer. Detective Inspector Martin James said they have a team of 20 investigators working on the homicide case. "We have 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. "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," said James. Kaea died after a party on Dinwiddie Avenue, and police are urging anyone with any information or footage of the party or a fight, to contact them. "We would like to thank those who have come forward with information and footage and encourage anyone who knows something to speak to the investigation team," said James. Footage can be uploaded via this link: Information can also be reported online, or by calling 105 and referencing the file number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Kaea has been remembered as a quiet and respectful student who was full of 'creativity and skill'. In a post on social media, Napier Boys High School said Kaea Karauria's death had deeply saddened their community. "His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside." Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- RNZ News
Funeral held for Napier teen stabbing victim Kaea Karauria
Kaea Karauria, 15, died on 11 May 2025. Photo: Facebook / Simplicity Bereavement Services - Āniwaniwa Funerals A funeral will be held today for a Napier teenager who was stabbed to death last weekend. Police launched a homicide investigation after the death of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria. He died at about 3am Sunday in Onekawa during what police are calling a "violent disorder". Another teenager was injured on a nearby street but has since been discharged from hospital. Police are still searching for Karauria's killer. Kaea Karauria was found on Alexander Avenue. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook An online post by Āniwaniwa Funerals said a service for Karauria will take place at 11am Saturday at Napier Boys' High School. The post said the teenager would then be "laid to rest next to his Pāpā Victor at Moteo Urupā". "This will be followed by hakari at Timikara Marae." Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied In a post on social media days after his death, Karauria was described by school leaders as a quiet and respectful student who had a strong interest in both sports and the arts. "His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside... particularly evident in his excitement to represent NBHS in the U15's team last year," they said. The school said that beyond the sports field, Karauria was also a valued presence academically and was described as "quiet, respectful, and full of creativity and skill". "These glimpses into his passions highlight the well-rounded young man he was." Karauria previously attended Porritt School, which also paid tribute to the teenager, describing him as a "child of immense talent". Police investigating the death of the teenager said rumours that the whānau and victim have gang affiliations are "damaging and unhelpful" to the investigation, and that the family have no gang connections at all. Detective Inspector Martin James said a team of 20 investigators is working on the case and is appealing for any information, photos or videos from a gathering on Dinwiddie Avenue on the morning of 11 May. Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied They have received a steady flow of information from the public, but no one has been arrested. "We are making good progress with plenty of information coming in, but we are still seeking further information about those involved on the night," Detective Inspector James said. Police have set up a phoneline for those wanting to share information about the incident. People can leave a message on 0800 852 525. Ulternatively, Anyone with information can make a report online or call 105, quoting reference number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Kaea Karauria remembered as quiet, respectful student
Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied A 15-year-old boy who was killed in a fight in Napier is being remembered as a quiet and respectful students who was full of creativity and skill. In a post on social media, Napier Boys High School said Kaea Karauria's death had deeply saddened their community. "His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside... particularly evident in his excitement to represent NBHS in the U15's team last year. "He embraced the opportunity to play alongside old friends and prove his talent," they said. The school said beyond the sports field, Karauria was also a valued presence academically and was described as "quiet, respectful, and full of creativity and skill". "These glimpses into his passions highlight the well-rounded young man he was," the post said, Napier Boys is encouraging any students or staff who need support to reach out to their guidance counsellors, deans, and trusted staff. A relative of Karauria's posted on social media saying his body was at the whānau's home. "Our whānau will open the doors to share Kaea with you all from 3PM TODAY , the Uncles will be on the fence to make sure our whānau space is upheld until then," she said. Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied Porritt School has also taken to social media to express their sadness and remember Karauria, who was a 'proud Porritt School old boy'. "We wish to express our condolences, and to send our love and support to the Karauria, Loughlin and Baker families at this incredibly sad time. "We as a kura have been deeply saddened to learn of Kaea's passing. We acknowledge that Kaea's loss will be felt across the rohe by many. The death of a such a young man, with so much to offer is very difficult to comprehend," it said. The school described him as a "child of immense talent". "We remember well, his kindness and regard for others. Kaea was a boy that was the pou herenga for his friendship group, the hitching post that bound others together. "His love for chasing an oval ball around a rugby field saw him named 'Player of the Tournament' as a rugby player in the school team that won the 2020 Spooner Shield," they said. His artistic ability was also noted. "He won a design competition when a revamp of our Pride Award was called for. He worked with a designer to update our Pride Award based on his winning entry. Kaea Karauria's Pride Award. Photo: Supplied "We still hand out Kaea's Pride Award every week to a child from each learning space," Porrit School said. Adding that the school has added the kōwhaiwhai to the foot of the award to fully honour Karauria's initial design and his legacy. "We are grateful for this very visible taonga he has left for us as a kura," said the school. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
