KEY POINTS:
"Stay strong boys, stay strong. There is no weakness, we must stay strong. We're here for August, and for his family. Boys, do you hear me, you must stay strong."
These words were chanted over and over by one of slain Auckland teenager Augustine Borrell's best mates as he and more than 100 fellow Auckland Grammar boys huddled close to the ground at Mangere Lawn Cemetery.
They had just performed an emotional school haka to farewell their mate. The funeral came a week after Augustine died of a stab wound inflicted as gatecrashers tried to get into a party on Hamilton Rd in Auckland's Herne Bay. An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged with his murder.
As Augustine was lowered into the grave, sobbing young men and women threw flowers into the grave. Tai Walter-Benedito placed his policeman's cap to lay at rest with the cousin, who was a brother to him. Also accompanying Augustine were jerseys from each of his four rugby teams, rosary beads, and the traditional Cook Island "tivaevae" quilt.
The burial followed a traditional Catholic service at St John the Evangelist Church in Otara, attended by up to 2000 mourners. Among them were young friends with him on the night of his death, students from Auckland Grammar, and dozens of others from Auckland Girls Grammar, Diocesan, Kings College, Baradene College, and St Cuthberts.
Students wore black T-shirts under their number ones. "In loving memory of the Boondok Saint," they said on the back, a tribute to Augustine's favourite movie. On the front: "RIP Augustine Akateuroa Borrell."
A message from Augustine's father Charlie, who did not speak at the service, was passed on by a family member. He wanted mourners to remember the spiritual power of karma. "We must all be responsible for our actions... because we will pay - someone, somewhere, somehow."
Auckland Grammar acting principal Wayne Moore read a speech from principal John Morris, who is overseas. "Augustine had everything going for him. He was popular, always respectful, humble and a hard worker. This was an incident that should never have happened, and certainly it should never have happened to Augustine."
What happened could only be described as a "despicable" and "cowardly" act with a devastating effect on many people. "This is not just one life ruined but many. These men and women will never be the same again."
Owners of the house where last week's teenage party was held, lawyer Jeffrey Morrison and his wife, Noeline, came back from the World Cup in France to support their grieving children and attend Augustine's funeral. They were deeply shocked by the incident, and described Augustine as "a fine young man who showed great ability and leadership".
Father Kerry Prendeville told the gathering to ignore media messages that young people were "out of control. They've put labels on you. Labels hide what's underneath. I would like people to acknowledge the good in our young people. That there are families who love their kids."
