Harry Darkins is being remembered as an exceptional teacher who was deeply committed to his students.
The heartbroken family of Northland teacher and sportsman Harry Darkins are remembering him as a generous man who loved contributing to everyone he came across.
The Northland community is also mourning the “tremendous loss” of the much-loved 36-year-old who died after being struck by a vehicle on Puketona Rd in Haruru over the weekend.
Darkins had 16 years of dedicated experience in education, including 14 years as a teacher in Whangārei, and was a talented sportsman, having played rugby sevens and cricket for various Northland clubs over the years.
His brother Rory said he touched many lives and always saw the best in people.
“He was incredibly popular because of how much he cared about people and how generous he was.
“He loved his friends, the community, the clubs he was part of; he loved contributing himself to others.
“He was very gifted as a teacher and a coach, and more generally as a positive influence on anyone he came across.”
Darkins is survived by his 12-year-old daughter Iylah, his partner Hana, and his parents Tina and Joe.
Rory said they were heartbroken and devastated but appreciated the outpouring of support and love from the community.
“Harry packed a lot of life into his 36 years,” Rory said.
“He lived life to the fullest and made such an impact on people as he did that.”
Darkins, formerly of Whakapara, attended Hikurangi School and later attended Whangārei Boys’ High School.
He gained a Bachelor of Education and Psychology at the University of Waikato and also held an honours qualification in growth culture leadership.
Darkins was a teacher at Whangārei Intermediate School for three years, and a teacher at Whangārei Boys’ High School for 11 years where he voluntarily coached the school’s rugby sevens teams.
He moved to Auckland in 2024 to take up a teaching position at Ormiston Junior College, in charge of training first and second-year teachers and overseas-trained teachers.
Darkins was recently promoted to a dean’s role and had clear aspirations to become a principal.
Whangārei Intermediate School principal Hayley Read said Darkins made a lasting impression on students, staff, and whānau.
An exceptional teacher, with strengths across physical education, health, mathematics and inquiry learning, Darkins was also “thoughtful, organised, and deeply committed to his students”, she said.
“Most of all, he built strong, respectful relationships with his learners, and this care translated into positive outcomes for all those he worked with.
“His passing is a tremendous loss to education and to the many communities he was part of.”
Onerahi Central Cricket Club posted on social media that Darkins was “a massive force in the club”.
Over the last several years, he played in senior teams and served on the club’s committee until moving to Auckland.
“Even while teaching in Auckland, Harry regularly made the trip north to play for the club.
“Nothing was ever too much hassle for Harry who was willing to help out in any way possible.
“Harry will be a massive loss to the club and community and many of us have lost a great friend far too soon.”
Northland Cricket Association general manager Neal Parlane said Darkins was a well-liked and respected member of the Northland cricket community.
He also played for City Cricket Club for many years, and later the Northland Men’s team from 2015 to 2020.
Darkins played 23 representative matches for Northland and was a current member of the Northland Māori Tāne team.
“As a teammate, Harry was known for doing whatever he could to help his side get over the line, earning the respect of those he played with and against,” Parlane said.
“His contribution to the game and his standing within the wider cricket community will be fondly remembered.”
Northland Māori Cricket club posted that: “Harry represented Northern Māori with mana, aroha and honour”.
“The mamae [pain] we feel is immeasurable and his presence will be deeply missed.”
Last April, Darkins – along with his mum Tina and brother Rory - featured in the Northern Advocate’s On The Up campaign which showcases stories of inspiration and success.
At the time Tina, the manager of the Forget Me Not centre in Tikipunga, told the Advocate how proud she was of her sons.
A public celebration of Darkins’ life is being organised, the details of which will be shared by the family in the coming days.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, and would like to hear from anyone with information.
A Givealittle page has been set up to support Darkins’ partner and family.
Visit Givealittle if you’d like to help.
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.