More than 400 people marched through Kaikohe on Monday in an emotional tribute to 3-year-old Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene, whose death last month shocked the small Northland town.
Led by the Piriwiritua Rātana Brass Band, the hīkoi was filled with families, balloons, and bright colours to honour the vibrant life of the young girl allegedly murdered by a 45-year-old man now facing charges.
Community leaders, including former Māori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels and Minister Shane Jones, addressed the crowd, calling for whānau responsibility and urgent action to address the impacts of drugs, violence, and social neglect.
Kāti Te Kōhuru Tamariki https://t.co/4gF06KuzNY
“Kaikohe is preparing to come together. A hīkoi will take place this morning to honour the short, bright life of Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene, a three-year-old mokopuna from Northland, known to her whānau as Remana. She was…— K1w1🇳🇿🇬🇧 (@K1w127) June 1, 2025
NZ’s achilles heel
People of Northland, need to put a stop to drug dealer’s, and that mean’s putting a stop to gang’s.
Good to see the community standing up