Brave beauty's battle ends

Esther-Jordan Muriwai never let her medical condition stop her from having fun or achieving her goals. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Beauty queen, budding politician, campaigner, advocate and inspiration - the tributes are flowing for young Whangarei woman Esther-Jordan Muriwai who was all that, and so much more, to the many people whose lives she touched.

Esther-Jordan died early yesterday after spending a total of 14 years, five months and five days of her 24 years in and out of Whangarei Hospital battling a life-long ailment, bronchiectasis, a crippling respiratory condition that was the aftermath of a childhood bout of whooping cough.

She set up the Northland Bronchiectasis Support Group in 2013 and in March this year was recognised for not letting her illness hold her back when presented with a Bravery Award in the Asthma Foundation Achievers' Awards in Wellington by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Esther-Jordan also campaigned heavily last year to encourage more young people to vote by standing for election in Okara Ward of the Whangarei District Council. Tributes to the "beautiful, inspirational" young woman have been flowing since news of her death, with social media sites buzzing with praise.

The tributes have been led by her father, Camron Muriwai.

"I will remember our girl for her advocacy, for having a voice, speaking her mind and for never ever giving up," Mr Muriwai said.

Born on April 7, 1990, Esther-Jordan spent much time at Whangarei Hospital but her father noted she preferred to talk about the time she had spent out of hospital.

"Over the last week or so Esther-Jordan had perked up a bit and was able to reduce her medication a little each day," Mr Muriwai said.

Esther-Jordan Muriwai with her parents Ana Sadlier and Camron Muriwai after she was presented with a Bravery Award in the Asthma Foundation Achievers' Awards by the Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae in March.

"Taking a step forward Esther-Jordan had recently put some new goals up on her wall which included no more coughing, travelling the world and having relationships. As I left her to go home (on Wednesday) afternoon she said, 'Dad, I love what's on the wall - my new normal'."

A family friend, Nina Williams, was one of those who encouraged Esther-Jordan to compete in the Miss Aotearoa 2012 pageant, in which she came second. "I was a part of the team that encouraged her to participate in Miss Aotearoa 2012 which she was awarded first runner-up. No surprise really given her beauty inside and out," she said

The Miss World NZ Facebook page carried many tributes for Esther-Jordan, many commenting on her beauty, strength and ability to inspire others.

Tributes were also pouring in to the Northland District Health Board's Facebook page while the Northland Bronchiectasis Support Group Facebook page was also filled with accolades for her.

A Mass service for Esther-Jordan was to be held at St Francis Xavier Chapel, Whangarei, at 12pm today.

Her whanau was to take her to Waihou (Waimirirangi Marae) shortly after that.