Family devastated over loss of drowned brothers
Two men who died in the sea near Oamaru were brothers diving for seafood when they got into trouble.
Kereta Tatana, 24, of Kaitaia, was visiting his South Island-based brother, Whererika Popata, 30, when they drowned on Tuesday while diving for kai at Kakanui Beach.
The brothers were diving with a third man who was able to scramble to shore to safety.
Their sister, Athena ReihanaCampbell, told the Herald the family had been left devastated by the loss of the men, with Popata leaving behind two sons, Xavier and Kendrix.
She said the brothers were born in Kaitaia and spent time growing up in Auckland.
Popata was “first and foremost a very loving and dedicated father, his love in life were his two sons”.
“He strived hard to make a good life for them. Whererika also loved diving and gathering seafood. He was a provider at heart.
“I cannot find the words to express how humble he was, how huge his heart was. He would never turn you away,” she said.
“He would give you the last cent in his account, the best of whatever he had, come to your side any time of the day and night, sit in silence with you just because.
“He loved to rap and he was very good at it. He also had a mad passion for anime.”
She said both he and Tatana had an “undeniable love for their family”.
Tatana, also known as Kere, was the fifth child of Laurie Tatana, youngest child of Elba Reihana.
“The Far North was his stomping grounds but he also spent time living in Auckland. He was a simple guy who had a such a huge heart full of love for anyone and everyone.”
He had an infectious laugh, a passion for music and loved his siblings, parents, nieces and nephews.
“Kereta played a very important role in our family, especially to our dad, Laurie Tatana. Kereta was his left-hand man, always out on the farm doing those hard yards with dad.”
He left behind not only his parents, sisters and brothers but also his wha¯ngai brothers.
Popata would be missed by mum Elba Reihana, father Rangi Popata and his ex-wife, Bronwyn PopataLewis.
The bodies would be taken back to the Far North.