Key Takeaways
- Tekanimaeu Arobati, a man from Kiribati, died after being swept away by a swollen river in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Arobati’s body was found by his brother-in-law, Kai Tenanoa, after a three-day search by local police and the community.
- The Kiribati community in Auckland rallied around Arobati’s family, providing emotional and financial support.
- A Givealittle page has been set up to support the Arobati family, with over $3,000 raised so far.
- The incident highlights the importance of community support and the risks of crossing swollen rivers.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The incident occurred when Arobati and his nephew were attempting to cross the swollen Mahurangi River, north of Auckland. Unfortunately, they were swept into the water, and Arobati’s nephew managed to escape after being pushed out by Arobati. However, Arobati himself was washed down the river and disappeared from view. The news of the incident sent shockwaves through the community, and a massive search operation was launched to find Arobati.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Local police and specialists from Search and Rescue scoured the water and banks of the river for Arobati, but it was his brother-in-law, Kai Tenanoa, who eventually found his body. Tenanoa, who is also from Kiribati, had been searching for Arobati since his disappearance and was determined to find him. He told RNZ that Arobati was like a brother to him, and he was relieved that he had been found. The search efforts were extensive, with search crews scouring the area from Falls Rd in Warkworth along the river for any sign of Arobati.
Community Support
The Kiribati community in Auckland rallied around Arobati’s family, providing emotional and financial support. Tenanoa said that the community had come together to support the family, and he was grateful for their help. Arobati’s wife, Tirutinia, also expressed her gratitude to the community, saying that they had been a great source of comfort and support during a difficult time. The community’s support was not limited to emotional support, as they also helped with the search efforts, and many people donated to a Givealittle page set up to support the Arobati family.
Finding Arobati’s Body
Arobati’s body was found roughly 200m from the crossing where he disappeared. His car is yet to be found, and police are still searching for it. The discovery of Arobati’s body brought closure to the family, and they were finally able to say goodbye to their loved one. Tenanoa said that he was grateful to God for bringing Arobati back to them, and he thanked the police and the community for their support during the search efforts.
Arobati’s Legacy
Arobati’s death has been referred to the coroner, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. However, for the Kiribati community in Auckland, Arobati’s legacy will live on. He was a well-respected member of the community, and his death has brought the community closer together. The outpouring of support for the Arobati family is a testament to the strong bonds within the community, and it is clear that Arobati will be deeply missed.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of community support and the risks of crossing swollen rivers. Arobati’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of nature, and it serves as a warning to others to be cautious when crossing rivers. However, it is also a testament to the power of community and the impact that one person can have on those around them. Arobati’s legacy will live on through his family and the Kiribati community in Auckland, and his memory will continue to inspire and motivate others. The Givealittle page set up to support the Arobati family has raised over $3,000 so far, and it is a small token of the community’s appreciation for Arobati’s life and legacy.
