Family, friends mourn slain teen

The teenager whose body was found in a vacant South Auckland house is being mourned as a beautiful young woman who loved kapa haka and her wha¯nau.

Police have named Demetrius “Demi” Pairama as the victim of a homicide in the suburb of Ma¯ngere.

Family and friends have paid tribute to the teen, who was a student at Northland College in Kaikohe.

Former principal Jim Luders, who finished at the school at the end of term one, said Demi was a much loved high needs student.

“We are absolutely shattered at this news. We put a lot of love and care into her here in Kaikohe.

“She was a high needs student requiring sensitive support which she repaid with boundless smiles and energy. A very tragic and sad loss.”

An aunt, Christine Peterson Whiu, said there were tears when they received the news of the tragedy involving “our beautiful niece”.

“For us, Demetrius was a quiet, gowith-the-flow young girl who loved kapa haka, singing and arts and crafts.

“She was very creative but mostly she loved her wha¯nau,” she said.

“Through some people’s eyes, she was different — and this would determine the way they acted towards her, which was very sad.”

Peterson Whiu said people’s opinions tended to change once they had a chat with Demi.

“They got to know that she was a really nice young lady who just wanted to be treated the same — as equals.

“She is a beautiful person whose soul matched her. She will be really missed by many of our wha¯nau.”

Pairama’s body was discovered by officers on Sunday in the Buckland Rd brick house. It is thought she had lain dead at the Housing New Zealand property from Saturday.

A homicide investigation continues.

Police have not revealed how she died. No one has yet been charged in relation to the death.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Fa’a Va’aelua said yesterday: “We are confident that through our inquiries we will ultimately determine what has transpired at this vacant property.”