Police forensics team and detectives continue to comb Onekawa properties in the hunt for Kaea Karauria's killer. Video / Neil Reid
* Almost three weeks on from Kaea Karauria’s death, the Napier teen’s killer remains on the loose.
* Hawke’s Bay rugby star Jonah Lowe honoured the sport-loving 15-year-old in Super Rugby action.
* One of Kaea’s relatives said Lowe’s gesture of wearing the teen’s name on his strapping shows hehas a “heart of gold”.
As police continue to hunt for those responsible for the tragic death of Hawke’s Bay teen Kaea Karauria, one of the region’s brightest rugby stars has paid a heartfelt tribute to him.
The 15-year-old lost his life on an Onekawa street in the early hours of May 11 despite the best efforts of ambulance staff.
Almost three weeks on, police are yet to arrest those responsible and have expressed frustration that some of the potential witnesses they have spoken to “may not have been truthful”.
As Kaea’s heartbroken family seeks answers – and justice for their loved one – his memory was honoured in Super Rugby action last weekend.
The death of much-loved teen Kaea Karauria has sent shockwaves through parts of the Hawke's Bay community. Photo / Supplied
Shortly after powering over for a try for the Highlanders shortly before halftime in their Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders last Friday night, wing Jonah Lowe raised his arms showing off strapping on his right wrist featuring the wording “KAEA”.
But a friendship with one of Kaea’s grieving uncles saw him display the dead teen’s name on his wrist.
Highlanders wing Jonah Lowe points to his wrist strapping featuring the name of Napier teen homicide victim Kaea Karauria after scoring in a Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders. Photo / Sky TV
Before concentrating on rugby, Kaea had played rugby league for the Clive Junior Cougars club.
Lowe – who has represented the New Zealand Under-20, New Zealand Barbarians and Māori All Blacks - came through the rugby grades at the Clive Rugby and Sports club before earning selection for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies at NPC level in 2015.
A relative of Kaea told the Herald that the symbolism of Lowe wearing the 15-year-old’s name on his wrist showed what a “heart of gold” the professional player had.
“Being the awesome guy he is, he agreed to do it without any questions,” the relative said. “His only worry [pre-match] was not scoring a try and promoting it.”
Lowe was unavailable for comment as he prepares for the Highlanders’ Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs on Friday night.
Kaea was one of the rising talents at the Napier Pirate Rugby & Sports Club and also played age-grade rep rugby for Hawke’s Bay Māori Rugby - Te Matau a Māui.
Kaea Karauria was a highly-rated young rugby player and an accomplished student in the classroom. Photo / Supplied
“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.”
“My whānau is living in a constant state of grief and unanswered questions,” she wrote. “Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest piece of information could make the biggest difference.”
>> 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.
Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news, features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014 and has 33 years of newsroom experience.
