His former history teacher, Garry Brittenden, who helped bring him to New Zealand, has set up a Givealittle page to help raise money to bring his family over to be with him while he undergoes treatment.
His father, Siaosi, arrived in Christchurch on Saturday, but his mother Lou and his two brothers and sister are still to travel here. The money raised would also go towards his ongoing medical costs.
After six days, the page had raised more than $16,200.
"He knew that this was his opportunity to help his family."
Uto joined the Akaroa Volunteer Fire Brigade while he was at school, and in 2014, made the New Zealand Barbarians Area Schools rugby team, which played the Chiefs under 18 team.
He has also played for the Canterbury Country and Ellesmere representative teams, and was a Lincoln Colts player this year.
