The family of the Auckland rugby player who died following a game at Beachlands on Saturday have thanked the community for their ongoing support.
Cory Heather suffered a head injury during a match between Beachlands Maraetai and Patumāhoe at Te Puru Park.
His partner and three children were at the match.
He was flown to hospital but his life support was turned off on Sunday evening.
Today, the family said they would like to extend their deepest gratitude for “the outpouring of love and support” which has been shared in the wake of his death.
“A loving partner to Rachel, devoted father to his three children, treasured son of Donna and brother to Shania, Troy and Aaron, Cory will be remembered for his cheeky personality, quick wit and zest for life.”
They said Heather lived his life to the fullest.
“Wherever Cory was, laughter followed. We will keep his memory alive by sharing our favourite, funniest moments of him with his children.”
He was a father to five-year-old Stevie, four-year-old Benji and one-year-old Louie.
The family also thanked the Beachlands-Maraetai community who have rallied around them.
After his death a Givealittle page was set up for his partner Rachel, along with the rest of the family. It has so far raised over $100,000.
Local iwi blesses grounds
Today, local iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki blessed the grounds at Te Puru Park as a “measure of respect” for Heather and his grieving whānau.
Zaelene Maxwell-Butler said as the iwi of the area, she felt it was “important” for them to bless the grounds.
She said the blessing would whakawatea (cleanse) the grounds of the wairua (spirit or soul) and ensure it is safe to use for everyday use.
Maxwell-Butler said this process, called whakanoa, is a “measure of respect” to the deceased.
She said Heather was remembered through the karakia and the waiata as he left the shores of the community.
“This is our way of paying respect to him and his whānau.”
Te Puru Community Charitable Trust chair Te Rina Piho said on behalf of her board, their thoughts are with the family at this time.
“They are a very core part of this community. We know the whānau and children … we are here to support in any way we can.”
‘Rocked the community’ – sports centre manager
Te Puru Community Centre manager Barry George said the incident has “rocked the community”.
“I know nationwide when something like this happens in rugby it shakes everyone up and puts it all back into perspective into what the game really encompasses.
“We just want to be here to support the rugby club and everyone in the community around what has happened.”
On the question of safety, George said it is being looked at “more and more” in the game.
“It just goes to show we need to be teaching correct technique and getting all that side of it right. Unfortunately, the game is a contact game and you’re always going to have things that happen in it, the less that can happen the better.”