Promising teen fights for life after crash

Kaine Lewis was a stand-out player in the Rotorua Boys' High 1st XV. Photo / Stephen Parker

Kaine Lewis had the potential to be an All Black, now he is fighting for the biggest victory of his life in Waikato Hospital.

The 16-year-old Rotorua Boys' High 1st XV centre remains in a critical condition on life support in the hospital's intensive care unit following a crash on Te Ngae Rd on August 20. Kaine was the rear-seat passenger in a car that crashed into a powerpole during an intense few hours of flash-flooding.

He bore the brunt of the crash and suffered multiple injuries. Several power poles came crashing down on nearby parked cars in the crash.

Rotorua Boys' High School principal Chris Grinter said Kaine had yet to regain consciousness. The school was offering support to his family and peers and hoped people would donate to a fundraising page set up to help the family.

"We don't know the likelihood of him playing again but at this point it's a long way off," Mr Grinter said.

"Some people recover from this sort of ordeal and resume a normal life. This has shocked and upset a lot of people and we're trying to do what we can to support students and the family. Any support for the family is gratefully received."

He said he did not know the circumstances around the crash but that Kaine was due to participate on the Gateway programme the day of the crash.

A fundraising page has been set up at online fundraising Givealittle. The aim is to help family meet accommodation costs in Hamilton. The family had received support from the Chiefs and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Mr Grinter said.

Kaine attended a Chiefs camp last year as a Year 11 student and was on the radar for New Zealand schools selection. He has played for the Chiefs Under-18s and represented Bay of Plenty at all age grades. He played his junior rugby at Murupara.

Kaine's number 13 jersey had been retired for the season, 1st XV coach Bruce Buckton said: "It's a sad set of circumstances.

"Anyone who has played against him knows he is an incredible talent. He could have been in the New Zealand frame for next year. Last year he was the youngest in the Chiefs' camp - it's quite unusual to get picked as a Year 11 student.

"His personality ... he is tough, aggressive and inquisitive. He's not afraid to ask questions of coaches or of his teachers," Mr Buckton said. "He was ranking in the top five in his age group in the country in his position. All Blacks would be a tough ask but if he worked hard enough he would have been capable.

"But he's strong, he won't quit."

Rotorua police acting road policing manager Sergeant Lee Stringer said the crash investigation continued.

• Visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/coinforkaine to donate.