NewsBite

Family of Kaiya-Gene Kerekere perform haka at Kirwan formal to honour teen battling cancer

A loved teenager battling stage four cancer “had the time of his life” when he celebrated the end of his schooling days at his formal.

Kaiya-Gene Kerekere's family performs haka at formal

A beloved teenager battling stage four cancer “had the time of his life” when he celebrated the end of his schooling at his formal.

The moment was made all the more special for Kirwan State High School graduate Kaiya-Gene Kerekere when his family met him at the entrance and performed an inspirational haka.

Raven Beddoes and Kaiya-Gene Kerekere arriving at the Kirwan State High School formal. Greeted by a Maori performance from family and friends. Kaiya was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Raven Beddoes and Kaiya-Gene Kerekere arriving at the Kirwan State High School formal. Greeted by a Maori performance from family and friends. Kaiya was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Picture: Alix Sweeney

As Kaiya and his date Raven Beddoes stepped out of the car, they were met by his father Eugene and his older brother Shayden, who led the haka outside The Ville on Friday.

Students watched in awe as more family joined, with Kaiya stepping in toward the end.

Family and friends of Kaiya-Gene Kerekere perform the haka. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Family and friends of Kaiya-Gene Kerekere perform the haka. Picture: Alix Sweeney

MORE PHOTOS:
Part 1: Kirwan State High School formal photos

Part 2: Glitz and glamour from Kirwan formal

Hundreds of bystanders clapped and cheered as Kaiya’s family embraced him before making his way into ceremony.

The talented football player was diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer, synovial farcoma, in 2018.

Kaiya-Gene Kerekere and Raven Beddoes arriving at the Kirwan State High School formal. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Kaiya-Gene Kerekere and Raven Beddoes arriving at the Kirwan State High School formal. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Kaiya-Gene Kerekere joins the haka. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Kaiya-Gene Kerekere joins the haka. Picture: Alix Sweeney

His mother, Terri, said Kaiya had the time of his life at the formal.

“It was an incredible moment to get him where he is,” she said.

“We had family that had flown from Brisbane, Mount Isa and members here in Townsville.

“(The haka) wasn’t planned. It’s just something that if it will be, it will be.”

Family and friends of Kaiya-Gene Kerekere perform the haka. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Family and friends of Kaiya-Gene Kerekere perform the haka. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The 17-year-old, who represented North Queensland on the footy field and was enrolled in Kirwan’s coveted Sports Academy, is back in hospital.

Mrs Kerekere said the school meant a lot to Kaiya, even when he moved to Brisbane for treatment.

“He never lost touch with them. He was still part of the Kirwan Bears team,” she said.

“They came down and presented him with his kit. He still feels like he was part of the team.”

Mrs Kerekere said Kaiya planned on following his passion of becoming a mechanic.

Originally published as Family of Kaiya-Gene Kerekere perform haka at Kirwan formal to honour teen battling cancer

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/townsville/family-of-kaiyagene-kerekere-perform-haka-at-kirwan-formal-to-honour-teen-battling-cancer/news-story/e047667603a6b11fe5194bdc6e05f946