Louise Jull's family spoke of her love for life and how she will greatly missed at Taheke Marae Photo/Ben Fraser
Louise Jull's family spoke of her love for life and how she will greatly missed at Taheke Marae Photo/Ben Fraser
A world-class kayaker and high school teacher has been remembered as a woman who lived and loved life to the fullest.
Louise Jull was farewelled at Taheke Marae at Okere Falls yesterday where hundreds paid their respects and joined in to celebrate the many things the 26-year-old had achieved.
Ms Jull died while kayaking the Kaituna River last week.
Family, friends and her Western Heights High School students attended the service where they were welcomed onto the marae with a pohiri.
Her ashes were brought in a kayak carried by her loved ones and placed at the front of Rangitihi wharenui surrounded by photographs of her.
Her parents, Adrian and Liz Jull, along with her older siblings Malcolm and Isobelle, spoke about how she was a much-loved family member and how she will be greatly missed.
Image 1 of 9: Funeral at the Taheke Marae, Rotorua, for Louise Jull who drowned while kayaking on the Kaituna River. Photo/Ben Fraser
Her sister, Heather who was heavily pregnant and due to go into labour soon, sent a heartfelt video message from Hawaii before being joined by her family to sing a waiata.
Mrs Jull said kayaking became her daughter's passion and took part in her first competition at age 11 at the Waipori River near Dunedin.
"She loved life and everyday was an adventure. Lou's friends will always be our friends and will be welcomed in our home."
Her father spoke about how his daughter touched the lives of everyone she met and how she didn't have dreams, she made plans.
"We are here to celebrate Lou's life. She loved Okere Falls, the special people, the crazy kayakers here and loved [boyfriend] Ryan.
"Her dreams became reality and she lived her dreams," he said.
"Miss Lou? Yes. Remember her and live a better life because of her. Thank you, Lou."
Her boyfriend Ryan Lucas gave an emotional farewell. The couple first met through kayaking six years ago.
"Lou was the love of my life and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her," he said.
"Kayaking was our passion and all we wanted to do with our lives each year was to leave New Zealand and be on the hunt for the best white water in the world.
Brother Malcolm Jull (front) and father Adrian with mother Liz (left)) carry Louise's ashes off the marae in a kayak surrounded by family and friends Photo/Ben Fraser
He spoke about Ms Jull's dedication to study and her drive to succeed both off and on the water.
He said they had talked about the risks there were in the sport they loved having previously lost friends in paddling accidents.
"It's a horrible consequence and it can be so cruel and I can't believe we talked about it and it's happened to Lou. I'm sorry Lou, I wish I could have saved you, but there was nothing we could do.
"I'd rather you be here today than me. It's really hard to accept what has happened. I will never be the same without you.
"There is a hole in my heart. But I made that deal with you to keep charging. I will live life through your eyes and do what you would have wanted me to do.
"I'm no longer paddling for myself but will be charging for you and will try my best to make you proud."
Many other friends and representatives of the surf and canoe clubs she was a part of as well as fellow kayakers also paid tribute.
The service ended with a haka by the crew from Kaitiaki Adventures and she was led from the marae by family with a bagpipe player playing Amazing Grace.
