Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tapu-Lifting Ceremony at Auckland Downtown Murder Site



A tapu-lifting ceremony has been performed at the site where Good Samaritan Austin Hemmings, 44, was murdered on his way home from work. Mr Hemmings was stabbed to death in Mills Lane in downtown Auckland in September after going to the aid of a woman being assaulted.

The ceremony was conducted in English and Maori by Ngati Whatua Kaumatua, Takutai Wikiriwhi and Holy Trinity Church Reverend Charmaine Braatvedt.

A 45 year-old sickness beneficiary was charged with the murder on 26 September. (Name suppression of the accused is usually ordered pre- and during trial in New Zealand criminal cases).

RIP Mr Hemmings. It is not only the well-known who are great.

Kua hinga te totara nui o te wao nui a tane! A great totara has indeed fallen.

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