The Black Ferns women's sevens side has struck gold in Paris, and an autopsy is underway on the remains of who police believe is Yanfei Bao. Video / NZ Herald / Getty
Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley, 17, was allegedly murdered in Taranaki after an altercation.
Rakai Jacob Thompson, 25, has been charged with the murder and remanded into custody.
A post-mortem examination will be completed in the coming days.
He was 17-year-old Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley, a promising rugby league player from Bell Block, Taranaki.
Emergency services were called to a property on Strange St, Waitara, about 12.45am on Tuesday after reports a person had been seriously injured in an altercation.
“The victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition, but later died from his injuries,” Detective Inspector Brent Matuku said.
A tribute posted to Facebook by Taranaki Whānui Māori Rugby League described Akariri-Buckley as a “polite and respectful” teenager who had a love for rugby league.
“He loved this game and [it] showed every time he donned the jersey,” the post read.
“What always stuck out was how polite and respectful he was to all the adults of our game, something you don’t often get from rangatahi all the time.”
Akariri-Buckley’s former school in Bell Block, Puketapu, said he was a “much loved student” and a regular visitor even after moving on to high school.
“Te Omeka started his schooling at Puketapu as a 5 year old and we were privileged to be part of his learning journey at school until his graduation as a Year 8 in 2020.
“He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his whānau and friends,” the tribute read.
Te Omeka Akariri-Buckley, 17, died in the early hours of Tuesday following an altercation in Waitara, Taranaki. Photo / Supplied
Akariri-Buckley was transported to hospital in a critical condition, but later died from his injuries. Photo / Supplied
Rakai Jacob Thompson, 25, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with the murder of Akariri-Buckley.
He briefly appeared in New Plymouth District Court yesterday afternoon on the charge.
He was remanded into custody by consent ahead of his next appearance on August 16 in the High Court.
According to court documents, Thompson resided at the address in Waitara where the alleged offending took place.
Taranaki area investigations manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Debra Gower, said police remained at the address on Wednesday as they conducted a scene examination, which was due to conclude today.
“A post-mortem will be completed in the coming days,” Gower said.
Police said a post-mortem examination of Akariri-Buckley would be completed in the coming days. Photo / Supplied
“Police would like to extend our sympathies to his family at this incredibly difficult time, and we will remain in contact with them over the course of the investigation and trial.
“We are continuing to piece together the events that occurred and would like to hear from anyone who has information that could assist our inquiries.”
