The family of Jason Paul Wharerau, 11, and Ethan Gordon James Neels, 23, are mourning the pair's loss after they failed to return from a fishing trip on November 14.
The family of Jason Paul Wharerau, 11, and Ethan Gordon James Neels, 23, are mourning the pair's loss after they failed to return from a fishing trip on November 14.
The family of an 11-year-old who died after a fishing trip turned to tragedy in Northland have paid tribute to their clever, cheeky and loving boy.
Jason Paul Wharerau, from Auckland, left on a fishing trip in Patāua South, Whangārei Heads, with his brother-in-law Ethan Neels, 23, on November14.
The pair never returned home, with the search for Neels continuing.
Jason’s whānau said today he was the youngest and a “precious taonga” who was “clever, cheeky, loving and full of wairua [spirit]”.
“To us, he carried the spirit, curious, brave and dearly cherished. His sudden passing has left a gap in our whakapapa that will be felt for generations.
“As the whānau of Jason Paul Wharerau, connected whakapapa, Ngāti Tautahi Te Māhurehure, Te Hikutu, Te Waiariki Ngati Korora, Ngati Hau, our hearts are heavy with pouritanga [sadness].”
Jason’s whānau felt “deep aroha and sorrow” for the loss of Neels.
“He was woven into his partner’s whānau through aroha and whanaungatanga,” family said in a statement.
“Ethan’s partner has suffered the unbearable loss of both her younger brother and her beloved, in one tragic moment.”
Ethan Gordon James Neels, 23, has not yet been found after failing to return from a fishing trip on November 14.
Jason’s whānau said their thoughts were with Neels’ family.
“Their mamae is immense, as they wait with hope to lay their son to rest with dignity, as every parent should be able to do.
“E kore e tika kia tanu ngā mātua i ā rātou tamariki – as parents, we should not be placing our children into the whenua before us,” the statement read.
“We ask that Aotearoa holds our whānau gently in your karakia, in your thoughts, and in your hearts as we navigate this profound loss together.”
Neels’ family thanked Search and Rescue and Coastguard for their ongoing support.
“Thank you also to all the community and Jason’s whānau for their love and support through this time.
“It brings us peace that Ethan found love and support from a beautiful whānau.”
Police said search and rescue teams and Coastguard are continuing to sweep the sea and shoreline in the hope of bringing Neels home.
Jason’s whānau acknowledged the aroha (love), tautoko (support), karakaia (prayer) and manaaki (care) shown by Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapū Uri Katoa, and the wider Patāua community; as well as Jason’s school kura Tamaki Primary, their own whānau, Coastguard, Search and Rescue, police, the Royal New Zealand Navy and Surf Lifesaving.
“In these moments of darkness, you have been a light that has held us.”
Jason’s body was found in the water at Parauwanui Beach in Patāua North soon after the runabout the pair had been travelling in was found adrift on November 15.
Enquiries into the boating tragedy were continuing and Jason’s death would be referred to the coroner.
A rāhui remains in place until 6pm on Friday, November 28.
It extends from Pā Harakeke (also known as Goat Island found at the southern end of Ngunguru Bay) to Toka Whakapiripiri (also known as the northern rocks of Kauri Mountain Beach) and extends 500m offshore.
People should refrain from swimming, boating and collecting seafood from the area until the rāhui ends.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
