In Loving Memory of Richard Matthews

Kia ora e te whānau,

I wanted to take a moment and say a heartfelt thankyou for everyones' incredible generosity and support. It's a challenging time in the world right now….but right here on this page in Aotearoa all I see is people standing together with aroha and kindness. The true meaning of community. We’re utterly heart broken but we feel your support and the sharing of your grief has lifted us up through this difficult time.

Richie was a very special kind of person and we can see through the comments how he affected you all with his kind and cheeky ways. The kids have found it so helpful to read your thoughts of who their dad was to all of you - I hope we can continue to tell Richie stories for years to come. The words which keep coming up are warm, kind, heart, funny, supportive. He was all of that and more.

It feels like the world is a little less bright without him in it but just know he's up there somewhere throwing a “blue steel” your way followed by that beautiful smile and gentle chuckle.

Arohanui,

Miranda, Ollie & Eva.