Hit and run victim farewelled

Flowers placed on Goring St in Opotiki after a fatal hit and run accident following a school ball.

People mourning the loss of 14-year-old Rangimaria White, who was killed in a hit-and-run in Opotiki at the weekend, are gathering for her tangi today.

Police are still hunting for the driver and the vehicle that struck Rangimaria as she attempted to cross the road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Edgecumbe College has closed its doors for the day so students and staff, including principal Louw Olivier, can attend the ceremony.

It started at 11am in Waiohau.

Rangimaria was a Year 10 student at the school, excelling in te reo, after moving there from Opotiki College.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the whanau at this very difficult time," Edgecumbe College said in a post.

Former teacher Hone Green said she was a "tremendous student".
"It is such a waste of someone so young," he said.

Rangimaria was found unconscious and unable to be resuscitated after being hit by a car about 3.45am on July 26 in Opotiki.

Just a few hours earlier, Rangimaria had been at Opotiki College, watching her older cousin arrive for the school's ball.

It is believed she was at a family member's house just before the incident.
The tangi was planned for this morning after friends and relatives had the chance to visit Rangimaria's body at Maraenui Marae Te Whanau-a-Apanui, east of Opotiki, since Monday.

Friends and family members have been posting messages of love and sadness on social media since the tragedy struck.

A video photo montage of the teenager posted on Facebook has received almost 4500 views and 500 likes.

Cousin Terri-lee White said she had put her 16th birthday charm bracelet in with Rangimaria's body.

"Missing you so much my darling, anyway I'm celebrating your 16th!
"Fly high my soldier. It [took] a idiot to take away our angel," she wrote in a Facebook tribute.

Shaquile McCauley wrote: "I didn't believe until I seen the coffin which held your body in ... Not a day will go by where we are not missing your beautiful smile."
Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said the police investigation into the incident was ongoing and police were appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
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