Generous soul taken by tragedy

Tevita Kava is being remembered as a humble man who wanted to improve people’s lives.

The 29-year-old Mangere man died after falling overboard from a charter boat on the Waitemata Harbour on June 3.

He was missing for 10 days before his body was found in the harbour on June 12.

Kava was born in Tonga and moved to New Zealand in 1992 at age 5. He worked full-time at the Tip Top factory in Auckland for about nine years.

He graduated with a certificate in Christian Leadership from Elim Leadership College in Manurewa last year.

In August 2016 Kava began volunteering at the House of Hope community drop-in centre at Southmall in Manurewa.

House spokesperson Hazel Jones says Kava, who was a founding member of the initiative, helped to fit-out the shop and prepare it to serve locals in need.

Jones says she and her colleagues are grieving for Kava’s family. She describes him as a trusted friend who was humble, encouraging, and wanted to change people’s lives for the better.

‘‘He wanted to use what he’d learned as a graduate of Elim Leadership College to reach, serve and influence our community to transform people and reconcile families.

‘‘He did this with much enthusiasm. Although he worked full-time doing a night shift, he’d come in [to the house] on any outreach day and Saturdays and serve until we closed.’’

Jones says Kava was a quiet person who genuinely cared for others.

He loved his ‘‘church family’’ at Elim Christian Centre South and attended all of its Sunday services, she says.

‘‘He was always a willing helper and a valued member of the team.

‘‘He had a heart for those who are less fortunate than himself in our community.

‘‘Tevita put his faith into action. His influence was wider than anyone could imagine.’’

Jones says Kava ‘‘had a heart for the homeless’’. He would often buy food for local rough sleepers or take them to get a haircut, she says.

Kava’s death has been referred to the coroner.