Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now name the child who passed away following a water incident off the coast of Pataua South on 14 November.
He was Jason Paul Wharerau, 11, who resided in Auckland.
Police extend their aroha and condolences to his whānau and friends at this time of deep mamae.
The search for the other missing person from the incident remains ongoing.
With the support of his whānau, Police can also name him today as Ethan Gordon James Neels, 23, of Auckland.
Search and Rescue teams, alongside Coastguard, continue to sweep the moana and shoreline in the hope of bringing Ethan home to his whānau.
Enquiries into this tragic incident continue, and Jason’s death will be referred to the Coroner.
He Kupu Aroha from the whānau of Jason Paul Wharerau:
As the whānau of Jason Paul Wharerau, connected whakapapa, Ngāti Tautahi Te Māhurehure, Te Hikutu, Te Waiariki Ngati Korora, Ngati Hau our hearts are heavy with pouritanga.
We acknowledge with deep gratitude the aroha, tautoko, karakia, and manaaki shown by Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapū Uri Katoa, and the wider Pataua Community, and this local kura Tamaki Primary and our own whānau, Coastgaurd, Search and Rescue, Police, Royal
New Zealand Navy, Surf Lifesaving and to all the resources that helped awhi.
In these moments of darkness, you have been a light that has held us.
Jason was the youngest in his whanau Pōtiki, a precious taonga of our whānau clever, cheeky, loving, and full of wairua.
To us, he carried the spirit, curious, brave, and dearly cherished. His sudden passing has left a gap in our whakapapa that will be felt for generations.
We also hold deep aroha and sorrow for the loss of Ethan Gordon James Neels, who was more than Jason’s brother-in-law.
He was woven into his partners whānau through aroha and whanaungatanga.
Ethan’s partner has suffered the unbearable loss of both her younger brother and her beloved, in one tragic moment.
Our thoughts extend lovingly to Ethan’s whānau.
Their mamae is immense, as they wait with hope to lay their son to rest with dignity, as every parent should be able to do.
E kore e tika kia tanu ngā mātua i ā rātou tamariki.
As parents, we should not be placing our children into the whenua before us.
We ask that Aotearoa holds our whānau gently in your karakia, in your thoughts, and in your hearts as we navigate this profound loss together.
Haere rā e ngā rangatira kōtiro, e ngā puna aroha.
Moe mai rā i te takotoranga tapu.
Haere, haere, haere atu rā.
Statement from the whānau of Ethan Gordon James Neels:
We want to thank all Police, Search and Rescue and Coastguard crews for their ongoing support and assistance.
Thank you also to all the community and Jason’s whānau for their love and support through this time.
It brings us peace that Ethan found love and support from a beautiful whānau.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
