Student's legacy a rich lesson in culture

Teachers, classmates and friends have spoken of Teri Maxwell's passion for kapa haka and her commitment to te reo.

When Teri Maxwell was asked by her Hawaiian classmates what her dream was, she replied: "To live my life through the Maori language and to share the gift of kapa haka to the world".

Following her sudden death last week in an accident, her Hawaiian teacher Manuwai Peters said the young Rotorua woman did just that.

"We believe that in her short 17 years, she accomplished this goal."

Miss Maxwell, who was known to friends as Waimarie, was killed in a car accident in Hawaii on Wednesday.

She was the back seat passenger in a car that was reportedly speeding before striking a power pole on the island of Molokai.

News of the teenager's death has shocked her former classmates and teachers at Te Kura Kaupapa O Te Koutu in Rotorua where she gained most of her education.

Principal Uenuku Fairhall described Miss Maxwell as a friendly, positive and well-liked young woman.

"She was almost always in a good mood. Generally she was a very positive kid. Very friendly and happy-go-lucky."

Art teacher Mereana Ngatai said Miss Maxwell had a quirky sense of humour and loved clothes and fashion.

"She showed real promise in art with interesting concepts and designs."

Mr Fairhall said Miss Maxwell also enjoyed Spanish and had a passion for kapa haka. "She wanted to be in the front role."

In January, Miss Maxwell took that love of kapa haka to Hawaii where she attended Molokai High School on a three-month indigenous language exchange.

After returning home briefly in March, Miss Maxwell went back to Hawaii with her mother looking to further her education.

Mr Peters said Miss Maxwell's classmates were shocked by her death.

"She was well loved by her Hawaiian classmates, who accepted her as one of their own ... all students are grieving at this great loss of a dear classmate."

During her time in Hawaii, Miss Maxwell had taught her classmates the haka and offered a song in Maori as a gift during a special ceremony.

"She excelled in the teaching of kapa haka to her Hawaiian peers and inspired them with several songs."

As a tribute, students sung those songs and performed the haka at a special service for Miss Maxwell on Friday.

It is understood Miss Maxwell's mother remains in Hawaii and the rest of her family flew to be with her late last week.

It is not known when they will return to New Zealand with her body, but staff at Te Kura Kaupapa O Te Koutu hope the school will have a chance to say their own goodbye.