Lost swimmer was 'living every Fijian boy's dream'

The family of Eroni Gaunavou at Akitio beach on the 11th day of searching. Photo / Lynda Feringajust

Eroni Gaunavou was living every Fijian boy's dream while playing rugby in Wairarapa, his family said yesterday after arriving at the beach where he disappeared.

The 22-year-old Puketoi rugby player went missing off Akitio Beach on Easter Monday while swimming with friends, and search parties have been looking for him since.

Eroni's parents, sister and brother arrived in Pongaroa late Thursday, after the community rallied to pay for their flights.

Eroni's father, Banuve Gaunavou, spoke to the Times-Age yesterday, his comments being translated by Puketoi coach Akuila Matanibukaca.

Mr Gaunavou, a minister, said the family was proud of what his eldest son was doing in New Zealand.

"Most of the boys at home don't prosper at school," said Mr Gaunavou. "I knew there was something better for Eroni in sport."

His son was doing well in rugby and had participated in tournaments overseas. He had made the extended Fijian sevens squad, and had been invited to be part of a tournament in Darwin, as well as playing a tournament in Sri Lanka.

"It's every Fijian boy's dream to come to New Zealand, because New Zealand is just rugby," he said.

"It was Eroni's dream of doing that, and that's why he was here.

Mr Gaunavou had received news of Eroni's disappearance by telephone, and thought the family would be unable to come to New Zealand.

"Back at home we have nothing ... we couldn't have afforded this."

He and his family were "lost for words" at the kindness of the extended community.

"The family is really touched by what the community has done," he said. "There is nothing we could do to pay anybody back."

The search for Eroni continued yesterday, with eight parties searching about 60km of coastline on land and from the air. A helicopter they have been using has been privately funded, and food has been donated for searchers.

Puketoi Rugby Club president Bruce Bowie said he was pleased to have the family here to help with the search.

There had been some trouble trying to get the family passports, but that had since been resolved and the family members were expected to be here about two weeks.

"Although we haven't got a body, it's a form of closure for the people involved in the search," said Mr Bowie.

"It's the best thing we could have done."

He was expecting about 50 people to search the coast today, as most of the rugby players who had been helping would be playing.

Mr Bowie, a fourth-generation Pongaroa farmer, said the loss of Eroni has affected the whole community, and some of the people volunteering their time had never met him.

"I will never look at the sea the same way for taking my friend," he said.

"The compassion I have for the sea is not the same."

He extended his thanks to those who had helped with the search, and said organisers would re-evaluate whether to continue searching tomorrow.