A tight-knit Northland community came together in a showing of solidarity to pay tribute to 3-year-old Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene.
At least 300 people gathered in Kaikohe on Monday morning before marching through the main street to mourn the loss of the beloved mokopuna, who was allegedly murdered on May 21.
The hīkoi along Broadway was “a showing of love and unity among the community”, organiser Mutunga Rameka said.
Rameka said the little girl’s death was an “absolute tragedy” and he highlighted the kaupapa of the event, which was: ‘He tapu te mokopuna’ [children are sacred].
“We have a duty as adults to look after and treasure our children,” Rameka said.
NZ Herald
