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Supporting Noel & Family When They Need Their Village

  • Surgery/Recovery Update

      20 December 2025
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    We wanted to share another update and, once again, pass on just how grateful the Peneamene family are for the incredible tautoko and aroha that has surrounded them.

    Noel is now home, a little earlier than expected, but with today being his birthday, he was very keen to be back with his whānau.

    Surgery went as well as could be expected, and the surgeon advised that approximately 75% of the tumour was able to be removed. The exact extent will become clearer once things have settled.

    Follow up appointments in the coming weeks will help determine the best pathway forward and what treatment options may be needed next.

    For now, Noel is resting comfortably at home and is deeply appreciative of the support, generosity, and kindness shown by so many. The family would like you all to know how much they love and appreciate every message, donation, and share.

    At this stage, Noel’s focus is on rest and recovery, and your continued thoughts and support mean more than you know 🤍

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  • Update from the Peneamene’s

      16 December 2025

    The Peneamene family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown them such incredible love and kindness over the past few days. The generosity, messages, and support have meant more than words can express, and they feel deeply held by their village.

    We wanted to share a small update.

    Noel’s surgery will now take place tomorrow, Wednesday the 17th of December, in Dunedin. The family are incredibly grateful that the surgeon is coming in early from leave to perform the surgery, meaning they no longer need to travel to Christchurch. This has been a huge relief at an already overwhelming time.

    The plan is to remove most of the tumour, though not all of it due to its location being very close to arteries. Following surgery, the next steps and treatment options will be discussed.

    At this stage, Noel’s vision is a wait and see situation. He currently describes it as “looking down a pipe filled with water,” and there is hope that he may regain full vision, but this will become clearer after surgery.

    Noel is surrounded by love and support, and the family want you all to know just how much your generosity has helped ease the load during this incredibly difficult period. From the bottom of their hearts, thank you.

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  • Aroha, Laughter & One Bloody Trooper

      16 December 2025

    Message of thanks from Noel’s eldest daughter Anahera.

    “The old man is a bloody trooper! Brain tumour and all, and he’s still cracking jokes like nothing’s off limits (some wildly inappropriate, but that’s kind of his brand). Even on the hard days, he finds a way to make his whānau laugh, and honestly, that humour is getting us through more than he probably realises.

    We’re completely blown away by the tautoko and aroha being shown for Dad and Tammy. Seeing our community wrap around them like this has been something else. Thank you all for showing up, backing them, and reminding dad that he isn’t in this alone. It means the absolute world.”

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