By ELIZABETH BINNING
In the warm autumn sun yesterday, members of baby Kahu's whanau gathered at the Whakarewarewa Marae in Rotorua. But instead of celebrating they were dressed in black and filled with a range of emotions.
There was joy because 8-month-old Kahurautete Durie had been found safe and unharmed on
Sunday night. But there was also grief in the small Maori community because baby Kahu's aunty, 48-year-old Dawn Smith, had died from a sudden heart attack after taking a bath on Sunday morning.
"There is sorrow for Dawn, but also joy for Kahu," said Wikeepa TeRangipuawhe Maika, a Tuhourangi elder at the Whakarewarewa village, where friends and family have been gathering to pray since baby Kahu's gunpoint kidnapping on April 13.
On Sunday evening their prayers for a safe return were answered, although they did not know it until they returned home.
"I found out through the late news," said Mr Maika. "We are highly elated and happy."
Baby Kahu's birth father, Jarmie Piripi, said it was wonderful to have the little girl safe again, but her return was mixed with sorrow for the loss of her aunty Dawn.
While immediate family, including Mr Piripi, travelled in convoy to see Kahurautete yesterday, other family members, including her grandparents, stayed in Rotorua to attend Dawn Smith's tangi.
As dozens of mourners gathered outside the marae there was talk of the sudden death and of the events surrounding baby Kahu's kidnapping.
Many wanted to know what would drive someone to steal a baby. Others were just glad she was back with her parents.
Ngawara Gordon, from the Hei Tiki Gallery at Whakarewarewa, said the village virtually shut down while friends and family waited for word on Kahurautete's whereabouts.
"Everyone's been really, really upset about it. It's almost been like mourning. Everyone was in a state of disbelief."
Mrs Gordon said Maori had a way of dealing with the sorrow and joy at the same time. Now that Kahu had come back things could start returning to normal.
"Thank God that she is safe and well and thank God this is the outcome."
Full coverage: Baby Kahu kidnapping
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