Hiva Lavaka Memorial

Hiva passed away on 24th January 2016. He drowned at Hot Water Beach, Coromandel while out swimming with some of his friends.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11579346

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/tributes-flow-for-auckland-bartender-who-drowned-at-coromandel-beach

Hiva was known for always putting others need, want and interest before his. Even during his last moments leading up to his death he diverted a rescuer from him to help his friend instead.

Hiva is the second eldest to Mapa and Vaine Lavaka - both in their late 50's and with only Mapa working as a factory hand life was hard making ends meet. Hiva decided to stay with mum and dad to help pay bills and put food on the table. He dropped out of his Electrical Engineering course at MIT and took on the Alex Bar job full time.

The news of his death alone was hard enough for both our parents to deal with, the funeral emptied all our savings and we all took loans and thankfully with the help of friends and family it all went smoothly but the financial support Hiva gave our parents became an ongoing struggle since then.

Mum injured herself a few years back so the only work she could do was a cleaning job when available. Dad is a long time factory hand in East Tamaki for an insulation/building supplies company. The struggle is currently to pay off loans and save money for his memorial which is coming up in a few months time.

Traditionally a memorial is set from a year from date of burial which will be 4th February 2017.

Please help me relieve the stress from my parents for this event coming up. I know it is a huge ask but any donation will help and will be very much appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

From the Lavaka Family.