Mother, baby laid to rest
‘‘[Casey] holds a handsome son in her arms – let us celebrate their lives today and ask questions later.’’
Bright bouquets and soft toys that should have lined a maternity ward bedroom were piled at the end of a casket containing a mother and her newborn baby on Saturday.
The body of 2-day-old Kymani NathanTukiri was placed in the arms of his mother Casey Nathan at Waingaro Marae, where the pair were farewelled in an emotional funeral on Saturday.
Ms Nathan died at Waikato Hospital just hours after giving birth to Kymani, her first child, at Huntly Birthcare on Monday morning. Kymani died on Wednesday evening following complications, also at Waikato Hospital.
Hundreds of mourners gathered for the tangi where Ms Nathan was remembered as ‘‘the girl who would kiss anyone – complete strangers’’ and ‘‘the girl with the beautiful smile who touched so many’’.
Ms Nathan’s uncle, Tem Ormsby, said his niece was reunited with her son on Thursday afternoon.
‘‘We took Casey from the marae into Hamilton to pick up her son. That’s what any mother would have wanted,’’ he said.
The pair were then taken back to the family marae where ‘‘emotions overflowed’’ as the lid was lifted from the casket to reveal Kymani in his mother’s arms.
‘‘It was just so special. It was about 10.30pm, late, but here [Casey] was being the mum she was so looking forward to being. It was beautiful.’’
Funeral minister Hono Huirama said the hui was about celebrating the life of Casey and her son.
‘‘[Casey] holds a handsome son in her arms – let us celebrate their lives today and ask questions later.’’
Mr Huirama said Ms Nathan gave her life for her son.
‘‘And just like she celebrated the pending birth of her child, we now celebrate the life of Casey, and the life of Kymani.
‘‘Let us celebrate his birth, about how he was loved, an angel briefly visiting us and who left before his time.’’
Ms Casey’s brothers’ Samuel, Waru and Harley spoke of the sister who ‘‘kissed everyone she came into contact with’’.
‘‘She was so loving towards everyone – even strangers,’’ Samuel said.
‘‘She made us laugh, especially when she was little making bread and eating it with heaps of butter.’’
Ms Nathan’s cousin Carlina Ormsby paid special tribute to a girl who had ‘‘touched many lives and spread aroha wherever she went’’.
‘‘She was a negotiator and an instigator, she was outspoken and lively, our best friend and a beautiful girl.’’
Ms Ormsby also spoke of the love between Ms Nathan and her partner of three years, Hayden Tukiri.
‘‘Hayden, we know our Casey loved you, you were her backbone and she was your backbone.’’
Ms Nathan’s uncle Trevor Williams promised his niece that she would not be alone on her next journey – that she would be surrounded by whanau.
‘‘I’m so sorry to see you go at such a young age. Know that you are loved,’’ he said.
There were tributes too for baby Kymani from Mr Huirama, who said the baby boy was being laid to rest in the security and love of his mother’s arms.
‘‘You are holy, you are innocent, you are pure – and we apologise that you were taken so early for circumstances we could not control.’’
As an emotional haka was performed mother and son were taken to their final resting place at the family urupa opposite Waingaro Marae.