Janie Taiiringa-Roimata Bennett, 16, died on Saturday after a two-year cancer battle. Photo / Supplied
A promising teen basketball and netball player who fought aggressive cancer for two years is being remembered for her bravery.
Janie Taiiringa-Roimata Bennett was given two weeks to live in September but she fought for a further three months to make her 16th birthday on December 4.
She lost her battle on Saturday.
The towering Rotorua teenager played age-group representative basketball and netball.
She was a student at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu in Rotorua.
The eldest daughter of Phil Te Riu Kōiwi Bennett and Heeni Te Mate Kōiwi Brown, she had two younger sisters, Tapaeorangi and Puhikura.
Brown previously shared that her daughter’s health came into question in November 2023, when she complained about a stiff right arm. A doctor diagnosed it as overuse syndrome, given her sporting training schedule.
Two months later her parents took her back to Rotorua Hospital and she was sent to Starship Hospital for further tests.
It was there she was given the shock diagnosis of a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which had spread to her lungs.
Specialists told them Janie’s cancer was so rare, it was unlikely any doctor would have recognised it.
She has fought through chemotherapy, having her arm amputated, surgeries and trial drugs which slowed the cancer’s growth for some months.
But in September this year, her left lung collapsed, and on September 21 she was told she had two weeks to live.
With nothing left to lose, she started a rongoā Māori journey using traditional indigenous plant-based healing.
Her mother said she showed signs of improvement, such as being out of bed and talking without breathlessness.
But following her 16th birthday, her condition worsened.
She died surrounded by her family on Saturday.
Her father, Phil Bennett, said anyone who was blessed to have known her knew how beautiful she was.
“She was my best friend, wise beyond her age, a fighter and the kindest soul I knew.
“After caring for her, battling her cancer these last two years, as hard as it is to let her go - we know she is in a better place and at peace.”
Her former Rotorua and Te Arawa representative basketball coach, Doug Edwards, said she would be dearly missed by her peers and whānau.
“A beautiful soul, kind-hearted and well respected by all who were graced by her love. No more suffering now, Tai. You blessed everybody with your time here with us. Now it’s time to rest in love with your ancestors.”
Former school friend and basketball and netball teammate Marewa Waerea-Tamai, 16, said Janie was distinguished by her dedication to sport, had a deep appreciation of her culture and worked diligently in everything she did.
“Like the sun breaking through storm clouds, Taiiringa’s presence illuminated every room.”
She said Janie was the embodiment of the whakataukī (proverb), ‘Mahia e tōna ringa, tino kai tino mākona’, which emphasises fulfilment and richness in earning your own way.
Marewa said her friend’s life made a lasting impact, and her legacy would continue through those she touched.
Fellow friend and basketball teammate Maddison Koopu, 16, said Janie was kind, loving, real, and “so incredibly strong”.
“Without a doubt, she is and will be the bravest girl I know. She was never far away. She was never shy, always the first to wrap her arms around me, and always there when I needed her most. Tai didn’t just show up — she stayed."
Maddison said her friend’s love, laughter and presence would stay with her forever.
“I’ll forever be proud of her, I love you, Tai.”
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.