The mum of Pakūranga College pupil Max Furse-Kee, who tragically died in the Mount Maunganui landslide disaster on January 22, says her world changed forever that day.
“Our beloved Max was suddenly and unimaginably taken from us,” Hannah Furse says.
“Max was not doing anything reckless, and this tragedy was not the result of poor judgement or a lack of care.
“He simply went to take a shower, in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was nothing that could have prepared us for this.”
Max was staying at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park with his girlfriend, and fellow Pakūranga College pupil, Sharon Maccanico, 15, who was killed also in the landslide.
Their bodies have been located and formally identified.
Hannah Furse says her family cannot begin to imagine life without Max, who was their “communal baby, a beautiful soul who brought immense light, laughter, and love into our world”.
“We are grieving not only the person we have lost, but all the milestones, memories, and future moments that will now never be. No words are big enough to capture this pain.
“On Wednesday, 4 February, we will hold a memorial to celebrate Max’s short but deeply meaningful life. Further details will be shared soon.
“We respectfully ask that attendance be limited to family and close friends. A livestream will be available for those who wish to honour Max from afar.
“We are overwhelmed by the messages of love, comfort, and support that have come from across New Zealand and around the world. Thank you all.
“While we do not have the capacity to respond individually, please know that we are reading them all, and they mean more to us than we could ever express.”
Furse says Max’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), the Rapid Relief Team, all the machinery operators who worked extremely carefully, local iwi, Kaitiaki and the “incredible” police family liaison officers.
“You have worked tirelessly to care for us and to bring Max home. We have seen how deeply this has affected everyone involved, and your compassion and kindness will help carry us through the days ahead.
“We take great comfort in knowing that Max spent his final days with Sharon, someone he loved so deeply, and with her family, who loved him too.
“Please keep Max and all the other affected families in your thoughts. Love your loved ones, life can be heartbreakingly unfair.
“We thank you for continuing to respect our privacy at such a difficult time. Forever Max’s mum.”
