A teenager fatally stabbed outside a party in Auckland at the weekend has been farewelled at his rugby league clubrooms before his tangi in the Far North.
Luke Tipene Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A 17-year-old has been charged with murdering Luke Tipene and appeared in the Youth Court today.
Only the teenager's family and media were allowed in court. Suppressions mean his name or anything that could identify him cannot be reported.
Judge Tony Fitzgerald remanded him in custody. He is due to appear at the High Court in Auckland later this month. As he was led away, his family called out that they loved him.
Police have said that 17-year-old Luke Tipene died from a stab wound during a fight outside a party in the suburb of Grey Lynn shortly after midnight on Friday.
New Zealand Rugby League have said Luke Tipene was a promising player who was involved in the Kiwis under-16 set-up, and was signed to the junior Warriors team.
Under-16s coach Jeff Whittaker had described him as a young man with mana who led the team's haka.
Luke Tipene was today farewelled at the club rooms of the Glenora Bears in West Auckland. His tangi is due to take place at Te Ohaki marae, near Ahipara in the Far North, on Wednesday.
