Chad Parekura with his son Tatum-Reign. Parekura died on Saturday night from multiple stab wounds. He is remembered as a proud father. Photo / Supplied
Chad Parekura with his son Tatum-Reign. Parekura died on Saturday night from multiple stab wounds. He is remembered as a proud father. Photo / Supplied
A young Southland father has left his family heartbroken after it was revealed he died during a stabbing in Invercargill.
Chad Parekura, 25, was unconscious with stab wounds on Don St just before 12.45am on Saturday. He died at the scene.
A 26-year-old man has now been charged with murderand is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court tomorrow.
He is also facing a charge of attempted murder in relation to a second victim who remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Chad's partner Heidi-Paige Hunwick described Parekura (Ngāpuhi) as a "very proud father".
"He was doing amazing for his son and in his farming."
Family friend Ocean Bretherton has created a Givealittle page to raise funds for his son Tatum-Reign. Bretherton is supporting Hunwick through this tough time.
"Anyone that knows Chad knows he was a very proud father of his son Tatum-Reign Parekura who will now have to grow up without his daddy."
"We are fundraising to help relieve his family over the stresses that come with such a tragedy and for his son Tatum's future."
Chad grew up in Lower Hutt and has always been very proud of where he's from. He moved down to Invercargill to work in farming to make a difference for his family.
Hunwick told the Herald he will be deeply missed and so much aroha surrounds him during this time.
Chad Parekura - pictured with son Tatum-Reign Parekura. Photo / Supplied
Police are not looking for any other suspects directly involved in the incident.
"While today's arrest will not take away from the loss experienced by Chad's family or the distress caused to our second victim, we are pleased to be in a position where we can hold the alleged offender accountable," detective senior sergeant Greg Baird said.
"We would like thank the police staff, including those who travelled into our area to help, for their tireless efforts since early Saturday morning.
Police continue to ask for information from the public in relation to this incident.
