Ariki Rigby has been remembered by her sister as someone who loved hard, lived boldly and stayed true to herself after the man who murdered her was sentenced at the High Court at Napier today.
“She was staunch, loud and proud, and not afraid to be herself no matter where she was,” Anahera Rigby told 1News.
“I’m proud to say that I got the chance to know her and feel her love.”
18-year-old Ariki Rigby was murdered following an argument sparked by her wearing a gang member’s T-shirt and her body was found in a burnt-out car in Havelock North in September 2022.
Jimmy Heremaia, 32, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum parole period of 12 years.
Heremaia’s sentencing was like a weight being lifted off her shoulders, Anahera said.
“To see the remorse on his face, and just to know that he knows what he did was wrong. He didn’t get away with it, even though he tried.”
For Anahera, the sentencing offered some closure, but no peace.
“No words, no nothing can bring back my girl. She was meant to bury me, I was her tuakana.”
She thanked the community for their support through the two-year long legal process.
“It came in many forms — prayers that people have done, koha, they have given messages, even a smile at us along the streets. I’ve had hundreds of people stop me just to give me a hug, and those simple gestures got us here today.”
In her victim impact statement, she said she would not let the pain break her.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be fully okay, but for her, I will try.”
Detective Inspector Dave De Lange acknowledged the sentence handed down at the Napier High Court.
“We are pleased to see justice done for Ariki’s family, who have been such fierce advocates for her since her death.
“We know no sentence could ever make up for her loss, however we hope today’s result offers some comfort to them.”
De Lange also thanked the investigation team who put in months of hard work.
