Song pays tribute to murdered teen Hayden Miles

A tribute song penned and performed by a top New Zealand equestrian eventer has touched the family of murdered Christchurch teenager Hayden Miles.

The 15-year-old schoolboy was brutally beaten by Gavin Gosnell, 28, after a drinking session at a Cashel St flat.

Gosnell, who was last month found guilty of the murder, then cut up the dead boy's body into 12 pieces before dumping the remains at two city cemeteries.

Now, singer/songwriter and eventer Edward Ewbank has paid tribute to the teen with song called Gone Not Forgotten.

It's been posted on various social media sites including YouTube, as well as the RIP Hayden Miles facebook memorial page.

A friend of Ewbank said that while the performer did not personally know Hayden, he was affected by the tragic, senseless killing and "wanted to honour his memory with something positive".

There's also plans to release a studio recorded version on iTunes.

Hayden's mum Jacqui Miles has seen the "amazing" music clip, which features Ewbank singing and playing piano.

"Hayden would have loved it, and we his family says thanks. It means a lot," she said.

Ewbank, who is in the US, says he will donate proceeds of the song to charity.