Family pleads for answers over woman’s mystery death

Takotoroa Ma¯ reikura had just moved to Hamilton when she was found with critical injuries in a suburban street.

The 24-year-old was rushed to Waikato Hospital after being found in Charlemont St on September 29. She died the following night.

Police say they are still investigating her death, but older sister Lisa Herewini does not believe the vivacious young woman involved in a hit-and-run.

Herewini said Ma¯reikura was preparing to go out with friends that Saturday night to celebrate her new life when she told her younger sister she was ducking out to the shops.

“She said she would be straight back. Her bag and everything was left at her sister’s and she never came back. She was found on the other side of town.” was

Police were called to the scene just after 8pm and cordoned off a section of the Whitiora street after Ma¯ reikura was taken to hospital.

Her life support was turned overnight on October 1.

Herewini said Ma¯ reikura was intelligent, outgoing, and fun to be around. “She had a uniquely distinct laugh. “You knew it was her from a distance.”

Ma¯reikuru was born in off Raetihi, near O¯ hakune, and raised by her father until going to live with Herewini’s mother in a wha¯ngai adoption. The family moved to Whanga¯rei when Ma¯reikura was 5. After Kamo High School, Ma¯reikura studied te reo Ma¯ ori and tourism and hospitality at Northland Polytechnic.

She worked in restaurants and bars in the Bay of Plenty and as a hair and hand model before taking a “gap year” and moving to Hamilton the week of her death.

Herewini said both families were trying to come to grips with their loss.

“That’s all we’re doing, is just coping. We sort of want some answers to give closure so the people responsible are held responsible for their actions, no matter what might have taken place.”

Police said there had been no arrests in the case and they were still investigating.