Murdered teen Maaka Hakiwai farewelled with songs and tears at St Albans funeral
Injured Melbourne teenager Nate Hakiwai has been supported by his parents and sisters as they bid farewell to his 17-year-old brother, Maaka, who was stabbed to death in Kings Park last week.
VIC News
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A teenager who watched as his younger brother was stabbed to death in front of him in Kings Park a week ago left his hospital bed to attend his sibling’s funeral.
Nate Hakiwai, 18, was supported by parents Stirling and Karli, and his sisters, as they farewelled 17-year-old Maaka on Friday afternoon.
The surviving brother was on crutches and still hooked up to a hospital bag for the two-hour service in St Albans.
Hundreds of family members and friends from the Gold Coast and New Zealand packed the venue.
A close family friend said there were “mixed emotions” following the death of the “beautiful boy”.
“The tragic loss of (Stirling and Karli’s) son, taken for no cause at all — I am angry,” the friend said. “No one has the right to take a beautiful boy like this, anyone, from their loved ones.”
Anger at Maaka’s death was clear throughout the service. “We are unsure which pain is worse — the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will,” the funeral program read.
Laughter and songs, including Three Little Birds, interrupted tears during the service.
“He was a good boy,” Maaka’s boss said. “I’m not too sure if he loved work or if he loved the work or the beers involved. I am very sad to see him go.”
“He always greeted me with that beaming smile,” a family member said.
More than $65,000 has been raised to support the family and to fly Maaka’s body to New Zealand, in keeping with Maori culture.
The homicide investigation is ongoing.