Dunedin college honours slain student a year after his death

College chaplain Fr Vaughan Hook led a liturgy for Enere McLaren-Taana on May 22. Trinity staff and students were joined by Enere’s family and his peers from his former school, King’s High School.

Enere, 16, died after being stabbed at a Dunedin bus hub on May 23 last year. A 14-year-old was found guilty of manslaughter at the Dunedin High Court earlier this year.

At last month’s liturgy, about 100 people took part in a time of reflection remembering Enere’s life, said Trinity principal Kate Nicholson.

“It has been such a hard year for Enere’s whānau and those who cared for him, and the grief is still very real,” she said. “Providing this opportunity to bring everyone together to share this anniversary was truly a privilege to be part of.”

A plaque was unveiled and blessed, followed by haka by Trinity and King’s students.

Ms Nicholson said the liturgy concluded with Trinity students singing “I say to you with love” in tribute to Enere – the same song that was sung at Otago Polyfest for him last year.

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Plaque laid in memory of student | Otago Daily Times Online News (By Mark John/Otago Daily Times)

Killer, 14, may be deported | Otago Daily Times Online News (Otago Daily Times)