Family and friends gathered in Auckland on Monday to plant a tree in memory of American student Kyle Whorrall, who was killed in an attack at a Meadowbank bus stop on 19 April.
Whorrall was a PhD student of entomology - the study of insects - at the University of Auckland.
Now a fixture at St John's Reserve in Meadowbank, the young pohutukawa tree would become a playground for the insects that were his passion.
Visiting from the United States, mother Carole Whorrall, joined his friends and flatmates to plant the tree, after a short ceremony organised by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The American student moved to New Zealand four years ago, and left a significant impact on his friends and flatmates in that short time.
By Carole's side throughout the ceremony, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said the tree represented that impact.
"Carole, we've talked," she said. "I know you will be back, but I want you to take back the aroha, love and warmth from this community to you and your family, and [Kyle's] flatmates.
"A forever, peaceful, resting place to remember your son."
Carole Whorrall attends a service to remember son Kyle at St John's Reserve, Meadowbank. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
After the ceremony, Simpson told RNZ the council would keep in contact with Carole.
"We've made a commitment actually to forever send her updates of this tree, as it grows and the seasons it has around it."
Simpson said the pohutukawa tree was chosen by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and would be nurtured by council arborists.
Carole Whorrall plants a pohutukawa tree in memory of son Kyle. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
"A special tree obviously, native to New Zealand, but also come Christmas, come those special times in a family's life, where families come together, it will blossom in remembrance of Kyle."
Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne said the community remained shocked and angered that such a tragedy could happen in their neighbourhood.
"There was also, I think, an element of shame," he said. "I don't think we ever expect this sort of behaviour in our neighbourhood and we were deeply hurt as a community."
Mourners remember Kyle Whorrall at St John's Reserve, Meadowbank. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Kyle Whorrall was attacked at a bus stop on St John's Road in Meadowbank last month and died from his injuries in hospital.
A 16-year-old youth was charged with his murder, along with aggravated robbery, and a 32-year-old woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.
Milne said the tragedy had brought the local community together and they were determined to honour Kyle's life.
"We have seen such a coming together of the community and such an acknowledgement that we need to spend more time talking with each other," he said.
"Carole being here and her extended family, they will come back and we will show them that this is not a flash in the pan, that Kyle's life has made a difference."
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