Family and friends gathered at the weekend to remember Rotorua teen Jesse Howe who died one year ago today.
The 17-year-old, who was a student at John Paul College, died after a van crash on July 17 last year. He was among a group of 12 Rotorua teenagers travelling home from
a party in Taupo when the van they were in failed to take a bend on State Highway 5, 14km south of Rotorua.
On Saturday, family and friends gathered to remember Jesse in a private ceremony at Kauae Cemetery where he is buried.
Justine Howe, Jesse's mother, said the group had a really nice afternoon.
She said it was a day when family and friends were there to support each other and talk about their memories of the teen.
"As expected [it was] a very sad time but stories were told, laughs and tears were had. It was great to see so many attend."
She said messages and flowers had been sent by family who couldn't be there with them.
Family friend Ants Haines said it was a nice ceremony.
"There were a few speeches where people talked about their fond memories of Jesse."
Mr Haines said there were sad and emotional moments but it had been good to remember the teen.
