Support for Victims and Family of Auckland Bar Assault

As our boys were coming home from work on Friday 6 November, they stopped off at a local Auckland bar, for a well-deserved beer. Afterwards they were supposed to come celebrate my 75th birthday with Whanau but they never showed. While we were celebrating, we were given news of the assault on my grandson and his friend.

The friend was left with a number of injuries and is recovering, my grandson however, is in critical condition, now fighting for his life. For the privacy of the victims and because of the ongoing police investigation we cannot disclose further information.

Currently, surgeons have operated three times on my grandson, including the removal of a part his skull to relieve pressure due to the intense haemorrhaging and swelling of his brain. He is set to have further procedures. Physicians have said it is highly unlikely he will fully recover and will most likely have severe, life-changing disabilities. We have faith in the doctors and God that our grandson will have the strength, determination, and youth to recover.

My grandson has a warm and kind nature. He is well known by his peers and family for his love and generosity of always putting other people first. His genuine care and empathy is the reason why he has a huge support system during this hard time. It is unfathomable that he is now fighting for his life - A circumstance we do not wish upon anyone. He is a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a grandson, a friend, and a partner.

His friend is a young, fit, hardworking father of two. He has a good sense of humour and always strives to bring a smile to your face. He is a very proud and a fiercely loyal friend. He is like a second son to my daughter and we consider him family. He is very much made from the same mould as my grandson.

The purpose of this Give a Little is to provide financial support for both victims, their partners, and families during this hard time. This will help remedy the loss of income and ongoing costs such as medical needs, treatment, travel and living costs.