Parents of Maaka Hakiwai left devastated following teen’s death
The family of 17-year-old Maaka Hakiwai, who was stabbed and killed on Saturday night in an attack that left his brother critically injured, have said they believe the boys were targeted over a hat.
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The family of a teenager stabbed to death in Melbourne’s Kings Park on Saturday afternoon believes the boy and his older brother were targeted by a group of young men over a hat.
Maaka Hakiwai, 17, was killed and his brother, Nate, 18, was critically injured when a car with five young men inside pulled over on the street. Two of the men demanded Nate’s cap and then attacked, according to a close family friend.
“They were on their way to the gym waiting at the bus stop, a car full of five boys pulled up,” the Hakiwai family friend said.
“Two boys jumped out of the car and then asked Nate for his hat. Both boys said no and a fight broke out.”
Nate told the family friend another man then got out of the car and stabbed Maaka in the chest and Nate in the leg.
In the hospital, Nate received two blood transfusions and had two life-saving surgeries.
He was stable by Monday.
“Nate nearly bled out and died,” the friend said.
“His mum is absolutely traumatised by the thought she nearly lost both her sons in one day.
“This (was a) senseless murder over a hat.”
The family friend claimed police had some “good leads” but said officers would not confirm if they had any suspects.
While too grief-stricken to speak themselves, the family released a statement to thank friends, family and strangers alike for their contributions to a Go Fund Me page that has raised more than $40,000 in less than 48 hours.
They said the brothers had a bond closer than most.
“Maaka and Nate were not only brothers, they were best friends who did everything together. “Born less than a year apart the boys were inseparable and loved by all who knew them,” the statement read.
“Both boys had immense love for their family, were devoted brothers and protectors of their two younger sisters.”
Maaka’s friends have remembered him as a loyal and kind friend.
Nate remains in hospital in a stable condition.
A post on the family’s fundraising page claimed the pair were on their street before the fatal incident.
“Pure evil presented itself when the boys were attacked while walking down their home street in Melbourne resulting in Maaka being taken from our lives,” the post read.
“Nate was able to fight through and is thankfully still with us although in hospital in a stable but critical condition.”
The boys’ parents were devastated by the attack.
“Stirling and Karli are experiencing unimaginable pain as they grieve this terrible tragedy,” the page read.
A close friend told the Herald Sun Maaka’s death was hitting all of his mates hard.
“He never deserved any of this. He was the most loyal, most kind person I know,” the friend said.
“It’s broken all of us boys and his family.
“Me and all of our mates are so shattered and wordless that we have lost a really good mate
“I feel sorry for his brother to watch that in front of him.”
The 17-year-old played rugby league for the Robina Raptors.
In a post on social media, the club expressed their grief at the loss.
“We are saddened by the news that one of our long-time players Maaka Hakiwai has had his life tragically taken from him,” the post read.
“Maaka played for Robina Raptors for many years and most recently in the under 18s.
“Maaka will be greatly missed by his Raptors brothers and we will cherish the many memories.”
The family recently moved to Melbourne from the Gold Coast.
Nate’s condition has improved and he is in a stable condition at The Alfred hospital.
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Close friend of the boys, Byron, said Nate was recovering but he was “shattered” about his brother’s death.
“I would see him nearly every day and now for him to be gone is such a shock,” Byron told the Herald Sun.
“I’m completely shattered he will always be with us in our hearts.
“He was the most humble and loving kid.”
The homicide squad is investigating.