Key Takeaways:
- Harry Darkins, a 36-year-old teacher and sportsman, died after being struck by a vehicle in Northland’s Bay of Islands.
- Darkins was a beloved member of the community, working at several schools in Northland and Auckland, and playing cricket for Onerahi Central Cricket Club.
- The incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and a critical incident investigation is underway.
- The community is mourning the loss of Darkins, with many paying tribute to his dedication, commitment, and passion for teaching and sports.
- Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
Introduction to the Tragedy
A much-loved teacher and sportsman in the Auckland and Northland communities is being mourned following his death on a road in Northland’s Bay of Islands. Harry Darkins, 36, died after being struck by a vehicle on Puketona Rd in Haruru, near Paihia, in the early hours of Sunday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many paying tribute to Darkins’ dedication, commitment, and passion for teaching and sports.
Tributes from the Community
Sam Walker, from Onerahi Central Cricket Club, said that words couldn’t cut the loss the community was feeling. "Harry will be missed by so many people, he engaged and helped so many within the community that this is a huge loss, everyone from the club is thinking of his family at this time, so tragic." The club described Darkins as a "massive force" in the club, who played in both senior teams and served on the club’s committee until he moved to Auckland to teach at Ormiston Junior College. Darkins’ commitment to the club was evident, even whilst teaching in Auckland, he regularly made the trip north to play for the club.
Legacy at Whangārei Boys High School
Whangārei Boys High School said Darkins was both an old boy of the school who graduated in 2006, and a staff member until 2022. He worked primarily as a PE and health teacher who also served as a year level Dean. The school described Darkins as having "strength, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our boys" and that he "gave enormously to the life of the school as our First XV coach, proudly committed to the anchor and all it represents." Darkins was passionate about young people, deeply loyal to the school, and leaves behind a lasting legacy through the many students and colleagues whose lives he shaped.
Remembering Harry Darkins
The principal of Whangārei Intermediate School, Haley Read, said on social media that Darkins had aspirations of becoming a school principal and spoke with real excitement about the next step in his journey. Darkins was an exceptional teacher with strengths across PE and health, mathematics, and inquiry learning. He was thoughtful, organised, and deeply committed to his students, offering meaningful guidance and mentoring. His passing is a tremendous loss to education and to the many communities he was part of. The school’s thoughts are with Darkins’ whānau, friends, colleagues, and students at this incredibly difficult time.
Investigation Underway
Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj said that at the time of the crash, a marked police patrol car was in the area and had spoken with a group of pedestrians seen walking on the road. The crash occurred a short time later, where a member of the public’s vehicle struck one of the pedestrians. Due to the patrol car being present just before the crash, police had decided to refer the incident to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA). A critical incident investigation would also be carried out. The driver of the vehicle which hit Darkins stopped immediately, and the vehicle had been seized by police.
Support and Condolences
Support is in place for the two frontline members who were in the police vehicle at the time the crash occurred. This has been devastating for them, and it is the last thing anyone would have wanted to happen. As part of the investigation, police wanted to hear from anyone in the area or with information. They particularly wanted to hear from anyone travelling through Haruru between 11:55 pm on Saturday, January 17, and 12:10 am on Sunday, January 18. Anyone with dash camera footage or who saw the pedestrians should call police on 105 using the reference number 260118/4319. The community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time, and condolences are being offered to Darkins’ family and loved ones.