Mourners hear of crash girl's travel and archaeology dreams

Celebrant Julia Campbell described Bryer as a beautiful and precious young woman. Photo / Supplied

Bryer Rose Greenwood hated sport and her family even joked that she was allergic to it.

But last Saturday the 12-year-old joined her mother on the sidelines of the netball courts to watch her little sister play.

None of them could have imagined what would happen next.

As Toni Greenwood drove Bryer and 8-year-old Gemma home her car collided with a four-wheel drive. Bryer suffered traumatic brain injuries and died hours later in Auckland's Starship hospital.

Bryer dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, travelling and having four children - she already had their names picked out.

But instead of celebrating those milestones, her family yesterday were saying goodbye at her funeral.

Her father, Ken Greenwood, told the Weekend Herald Bryer was an amazing daughter and friend.

"Bryer was teaching us all about life, and she was only 12 years old," he said.

"She rocked the world. She was beautiful, she was smart. And she loved her daddy. I buried my brother three months ago and she was there for me. She held my hand, she looked after me. My girl was gorgeous."

Mr Greenwood said Gemma was doing well after the crash. She was discharged from the Starship on Thursday so she could go to Bryer's funeral.

She sat with Mrs Greenwood in the front row, her arm still bandaged and cuts still visible on her face.

Bryer moved to Kaukapakapa last year and attended the local school. Many of her classmates attended the service, and wrote their memories of her in a book that was passed around during the eulogies.

Celebrant Julia Campbell described Bryer as a beautiful and precious young woman.

"It is a loss against which all other losses in our lives fade into significance," she told mourners. "She was an unforgettable girl, a young woman coming into her teen years.

"She was so bright and had her life planned out from an early age - knowing where she was going and what she wanted."

Bryer was passionate about Egypt and hoped to travel there, and to South America.

Kaukapakapa School principal Tony Westrupp spoke of an intelligent and popular student who had had a huge impact on staff and students.

"She had a vibrant personality," he said. "Bryer was gifted, artistic, passionate about life. She was an inspiration to all around her, she was loved by everyone. She was the best role model we could wish for."