Tangihanga Underway for 20-Year-Old Tyreece Tepairi Killed in Hamilton Attack

The tangihanga for 20-year-old Tyreece Tepairi, who was tragically killed in a violent street fight in Hamilton over the weekend while celebrating his 21st birthday, is now underway. The event marks the final farewell for a young man whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.

According to a statement shared by his family on Facebook, they are “preparing his farewell” with “extreme sadness.” The statement read: “We appreciate all the support during this time. We welcome our whānau and friends to join with us in remembrance of an outstanding young man who had so much to live for.”

Tepairi’s procession will begin on Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM, making its way to Te Rāwheoro Marae in Tolaga Bay, Gisborne. He will be laid to rest on July 26.

The incident that led to his death took place on Alexandra Street in Hamilton on Sunday night. Police were called to an altercation involving two groups around 12:10 AM. Reports indicate that several individuals were stabbed in the scuffle. A local bar owner, John Lawrenson, described the event as starting from a small DJ event that escalated into chaos.

Lawrenson told reporters that the altercation began between two groups who left the bar and moved 50 meters onto Alexandra Street near some car parks. CCTV footage showed one individual openly holding a machete the size of a cricket bat. Lawrenson also noted that a white sedan was parked at the scene, from which the weapons appeared to have come. He described the car as leaving the scene with “a dead body in the car park.”

Police have launched a homicide investigation into Tepairi’s death, calling it a “senseless act of violence.” Detective Sergeant Reece Durston stated that the investigation is focused on understanding how and why the incident occurred, while also providing support to the victims and their families. A dedicated web portal has been created for the public to upload photos or footage from the area between 11:30 PM on Saturday and 12:30 AM on Sunday.

The three other victims of the incident have since been discharged from the hospital, and a forensic examination of the street was completed on Sunday afternoon. Lawrenson emphasized that the event was not typical of the bar, which is usually a quiet spot known for selling shisha.

This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community and has raised important questions about the escalation of violence in public spaces. As the tangihanga proceeds, the community is coming together to honor Tyreece Tepairi’s life and to support his family during this difficult time.