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Standing by Junior

  • Thank You For Standing By Junior

      8 October 2026

    It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved Junior, Tupou Lotima Filianga Apolosi, passed away on Tuesday, surrounded by his family.

    On behalf of Kerri-Lee, Mele, Sii, Lexie, Pippa and Robbie, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Your generosity, messages, prayers and kindness have carried this family through the hardest of times. Junior was deeply touched by the love shown to him, and it meant more than we can put into words.

    Junior's funeral will be held at Wakatipu High School on Saturday at 12.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate his life with us. This will be followed by a private burial for family and close friends.

    The page will remain open, and contributions going forward will go toward funeral-related expenses and ongoing living expenses.

    Thank you for standing by Junior, and for continuing to stand by his family.

    With love and gratitude,

    Cheryl

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  • A little update on Junior.

      22 September 2026

    A little update on Junior.

    Junior is no longer receiving treatment, and our focus now is simply on making the most of the precious time we have together as a family.

    This is an incredibly difficult time for all of us, but we are surrounding Junior with love, comfort and the people who mean the most to him.

    Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has donated, sent messages, offered support or kept Junior and our family in your thoughts. Your kindness has meant more than we could ever put into words and continues to help our family through this heartbreaking time.

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  • An Update on Junior

      23 July 2026

    Just a quick note to say Junior is still going, still battling, taking the good days and the harder ones as they come. He's got more chemo ahead over the coming weeks.

    The bright spot: his recent scan showed the main areas being treated have actually shrunk slightly since last time. Wonderful news, and something to hold onto.

    Thank you all for the love and support, it means the world to our whanau.

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  • Update

      2 June 2026

    A quick update on Junior.

    On Thursday, Junior begins his second round of chemotherapy.

    The reality is that this treatment isn't a cure. The goal is to slow the cancer down and give him as much quality time as possible. It has been a tough few weeks, and there have been days where he has been quite unwell. But thankfully, we've also had some good days recently, and we're holding on tightly to those moments.

    We wanted to thank everyone who has supported Junior and our family so far. Whether through donations, messages, prayers, or simply following his journey, your kindness has helped more than words can express.

    As we head into the next stage of treatment, we'd appreciate you keeping Junior in your thoughts. We'll continue to share updates along the way.

    Thank you for being part of this journey with us ❤️

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  • Fundraiser page is LIVE

      28 May 2026

    Good afternoon wonderful people.

    We are so incredibly grateful to share that our online fundraiser for Junior is now live! Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Junior, Kerri and their beautiful family through this incredibly challenging time.

    A huge and heartfelt thank you to every single sponsor who has so generously contributed to the fundraiser evening. Your kindness means the world to our family.

    Please share this link far and wide, the more people who see it, the greater the support we can give Junior and his family. Every share truly counts.

    Aroha nui.

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  • Winter Bugs

      21 May 2026

    Hi team,

    Just a gentle reminder about the flag and the winter bugs. Junior underwent his first round of Chemo yesterday and we need to protect him from infection so please don't visit with any sniffles.

    When a Tongan flag is flying at the gate, Junior is able to receive visitors and would love to see you. When the flag is not up, we ask that you kindly respect the family's privacy and give them the space they need.

    So much love for you all xx

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  • A little update from the family

      19 May 2026

    We want to start by saying thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to every single person who has shown up for Junior and for our family. The truck procession was something truly special, and it said everything about the kind of man Junior is. The love and respect in that turnout moved us beyond words.

    Things are moving quickly at the moment. Junior is heading down to Dunedin for a scan ahead of beginning radiation treatment, and he has a chemotherapy session coming up on Thursday. While we have been open about the fact that Junior's illness is not curable, we are holding onto hope that the chemotherapy may help to extend his time with us. It is a hard road, but Junior is facing it with the same strength and spirit that everyone who knows him would expect.

    The support coming in has been incredible. The fundraiser is going beautifully, with donations, vouchers, and contributions continuing to flow in, and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of this community. Tickets for the event on the 5th are almost completely sold out, which is a true testament to how many people want to come together to raise funds for Junior and his family.

    We will keep sharing updates as we can. Please know that every message, every gesture, and every act of kindness is felt deeply by Junior and by all of us walking this journey alongside him.

    With so much love and gratitude,

    The Family

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  • Tongan Flag

      10 May 2026

    Update: Junior is home 🧡

    We are so happy to share that Junior is home with his family.

    He is resting, heavily medicated for pain, and sleeping a lot as his body works hard. Kerri and the kids are right by his side.

    To help protect his energy and privacy, we have a small system in place. When a Tongan flag is flying at the gate, Junior is able to receive visitors and would love to see you. When the flag is not up, we ask that you kindly respect the family's privacy and give them the space they need.

    Thank you for continuing to wrap this family in so much love. It means everything.

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  • Fundraiser Evening - 5th June

      8 May 2026

    Hello you wonderful humans.

    I wanted to share the invite to the fundraiser, this includes a drink on arrival, entertainment and canapes through the evening, please come and join us.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1E6Z5nNu3r/

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  • Fund Raiser - and update.

      6 May 2026

    Hi Team,

    Junior has been in hospital for a few days to try and get his pain under control, we are hoping we can see that beautiful smile back soon, we will keep you posted on his movements.

    We have secured The Arrowtown Club Rooms for the 5th June for a fundraiser, please put this in your calendar. If there are any local businesses that are will donate a voucher for anything that we can auction please contact me cherylisobelrobertson@gmail.com.

    We are so thankful and completely overwhelmed by the support of our amazing community and beyond and we cannot thank you enough, you all make me so proud so many thanks, we love you all xxx

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