New Zealand soldier Rohaan Thomas named as South Taranaki crash victim

Rohaan Thomas, 20, from Palmerston North, died following a two-vehicle crash near Mokoia Rd, southeast of Hāwera, South Taranaki.

• A 20-year-old New Zealand Army private has been named as the victim of a fatal two-vehicle crash southeast of Hāwera.
• Rohaan Thomas was at the start of his career after volunteering to serve in February 2024.
• Thomas’s father said the family was “so grateful for the time we had with him”.

A young New Zealand soldier has been named as the victim of a fatal two-vehicle crash in the central North Island.

Rohaan Thomas, 20, from Palmerston North, died following the accident near Mokoia Rd, southeast of Hāwera in South Taranaki, on Sunday afternoon.

The New Zealand Army has paid tribute to the private, saying “he was at the very start of his career”.

“Private Thomas was a soldier at the very start of his career with the New Zealand Army, having volunteered to serve in February 2024 before joining the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in June.

“He linked up with his new unit in Linton just before Christmas, and at just 20 years of age had a bright future in the Army ahead of him.

“Our thoughts and aroha go out to Rohaan’s whānau, his friends and his community as they come to terms with such a sudden loss, and we continue to support them where we can.”

Thomas left his mark on their collective story, that of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, and would be remembered by those he served alongside, the New Zealand Army said.

New Zealand Army private Rohaan Thomas, 20, has been named as the victim of a fatal two-vehicle crash southeast of Hāwera.

“Kua whetūrangitia koe | Return, take your place amongst the stars along with your ancestors that adorn the sky.”

In a Facebook post, Thomas’ father Regan called him “our beautiful son”.

“Rohaan was a man of strong faith, which was evident through his relationships with others in all the different areas of his life,” he said.

“We are so grateful for the time we had with him. We ask for prayer for our family during this difficult season.”

Police said inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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