Sadness at mystery death of much-loved soldier
The Defence Force is in mourning after a ‘‘talented’’ soldier and father of two died in mysterious circumstances.
Lance Corporal Barney Te Kani was at his home near the Burnham Army Camp, when he died in his sleep.
St John attended and said the death was sudden and the cause was unknown. His case is with the coroner, but it was not a suicide.
Te Kani lived in Army housing with his partner Kezia Tapsell and two young children.
‘‘Lance Corporal Barney Te Kani was a talented soldier who had recently been promoted in recognition of his leadership potential,’’ a spokesperson for New Zealand Defence Force said.
‘‘The NZDF, especially the members of 2nd/1st Battalion at Burnham, extend their deepest sympathies to his family and friends on his passing.’’
The first of his two funeral services was held at Burnham yesterday, before he was taken back to his hometown of Rotorua.
A keen rugby player, Te Kani represented New Zealand in the NZDF Defence Blacks, and played for Canterbury Maori.
He was one of the 34 personnel to arrive back from the Solomons in 2012, the last group to return from New Zealand’s three-year mission to the Pacific Island nation.
His eldest son Tama was 17 months old at the time and greeted him at Christchurch Airport wearing a T-shirt that said ‘‘My Papa, A Soldier, My Hero’’.
Tributes have flowed on social media, with the Canterbury Maori Rugby Waitaha posting a picture of Te Kani in his Canterbury rugby kit.
Meanwhile, the NZDF Rugby Defence Blacks Facebook page read: ‘‘The loss of a team-mate and comrade is the loss of a brother. It is with much sadness that the NZDF Defence Blacks mourn the passing of a brother, Barney ‘Barnz’ ‘TK’ Te Kani. Our condolences and heart-felt thoughts are with his partner, his two boys, and whanau at this sad time. May you rest in peace.’’
A Givealittle page set up to assist his family had raised $5000 by last night.