The Whangārei Boys’ High board of trustees has extended its condolences to the whānau of Karnin Petera, who died during a school trip to the Abbey Caves. Photo / Tania Whyte
The Whangārei Boys’ High board of trustees has extended its condolences to the whānau of Karnin Petera, who died during a school trip to the Abbey Caves. Photo / Tania Whyte
The Whangārei Boys’ High board of trustees has extended its condolences to the whānau of Karnin Petera, who died during a school trip to the Abbey Caves.
Petera’s family spoke of their anguish at the death of their “baby boy” earlier today, making his name public for the first timesince he was swept away in floodwater on Tuesday.
“It is with deep sadness that we wish to inform you that our beautiful boy Karnin Ahorangi Petera has indeed tragically passed away during the unfortunate incident at the Abbey Caves,” a family member wrote online.
The school board chairman, Andrew Carvell, this afternoon released a statement acknowledging the death of the Year 11 boy, saying he wrote it “with immense sadness”.
“... He was so nice and positive and deserved much better praying for his justice,” said someone who knew the boy.
“I knew [the boy] in primary, he was such a nice boy and should of been able to live his life. The trip should never had gone forward with the weather,” a commenter wrote.
“That’s someone’s son, someone’s moko, someone’s friend. May he rest in peace.”
Emergency services at Abbey Caves in Whangārei after the student was reported missing. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Petera’s wider whānau set up a Givealittle page to support the family facing a devastating loss.
The student’s whānau have thanked the emergency services and search and rescue teams involved in bringing their boy home.
A family member shared a message of thanks on a Facebook group.
“On behalf of the whānau, we cannot express how grateful we are to all those who were involved in helping us find and bring our baby boy back to us.
“Police, fire crew, search and rescue, medical crew and so much more.
“We all felt so supported and cared for throughout the entire process.
“Your tireless efforts and aroha will be with us forever.”
Whangārei Boys’ High School principal Karen Gilbert-Smith said she knew there would be a lot of questions to answer, “but I am simply not in a position to provide answers at this early stage out of respect for the whānau”.
“It’s really important for me to let you know how devastated we are that one of our whānau have lost a much-loved and treasured son and brother. The impact of this tragedy is being felt widely amongst our school staff, students and community,” Gilbert-Smith said.
