Hawke’s Bay couple Ren Karauria and Kym Baker are appealing for information about their son Kaea Karauria's death. Photo / Te Ao With Moana
Hawke’s Bay couple Ren Karauria and Kym Baker are appealing for information about their son Kaea Karauria's death. Photo / Te Ao With Moana
Originally published by Māori Television
Hawke’s Bay couple Ren Karauria and Kym Baker barely held it together as they spoke about the tragic death of their son Kaea Karauria.
Just weeks before his 16th birthday, Kaea was attacked and fatally stabbed at a birthday party in the Napier suburb ofOnekawa on May 11. He died in the early hours of Mother’s Day as an ambulance crew tried to save him.
“He had a big heart,” sobbed his younger brother. That sentiment was echoed by his grief-stricken mother Kym, who said Kaea “loved his nannies”.
A month on, the 20-strong police team investigating the killing has not made an arrest or laid charges. Until now, inquiries have been met with a wall of silence, despite about 50 people attending the 18th birthday party where Kaea was fatally stabbed.
The whānau have spoken publicly for the first time, hoping their appeal might prompt someone to come forward. Their social media appeals have, so far, gone unanswered.
They described Kaea as a “handsome 6’3” [1.9m] young man who was ‘a good sports player’” – an understatement, as he had shown promise as a rugby player and made all the local rep teams.
They said he was creative and artistic and an academic achiever.
They spoke of a young man just getting into the swing of teenage life, who openly shared that with his parents.
To Ren’s regret, there was an argument between him and Kaea on the night of the party that they never got the chance to resolve.
“I didn’t want him to go. Anyway, long story short, he ended up going and he came to the door and said goodbye to me.
“And because I was angry and I didn’t want him to go, I didn’t say anything. But his brother said, you know, ‘see you’. But I just wish I had said goodbye… told him I loved him.”
Last weekend, Kaea’s parents attended a special rugby match to honour their son. It was between Napier Boys’ High School and Hastings Boys’ High School; Kaea had been a student at both.
Last weekend, Kaea Karauria's parents attended a special rugby match to honour their son. Photo / Aotearoa Maori Rugby League
The couple said it helped restore their faith in community. Now they’re appealing to the power of community to help identify those responsible for their son’s death.
Ren also claimed there have been threats and intimidation of potential witnesses. He appealed to those in the know who feel frightened or threatened, urging them to “do the right thing,” come forward and understand the power of the community “who are willing to get behind them”.
Ren was also keen to address rumours that the family had gang affiliations; an allegation they deny despite some extended whānau members being patched.
He believes the rumours may have been fuelled by photographs of Kaea that have been “taken out of context” and “misconstrued”.
“Even if that was the case,” said Ren. “It doesn’t make it right, you know. It doesn’t mean that he deserved to be taken away from us like this.”
The family are also traumatised by their understanding that a number of people were around their son on the night of the stabbing but did not help him.
Ren’s message is clear: “Do the right thing, otherwise you’re going to have to carry that for the rest of your life. You shouldn’t have to carry something like that for someone else.
“We might be able to go back out into our community and feel safer. We might be able to get more rest and start to heal.”
Anyone with information is asked to make a police report online or by calling 105, using the reference number 250511/1317.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Or by DM to Te Ao with Moana on its social media platforms.
