Tributes for teenager killed in Waipawa vehicle crash

Tuesday 20 May 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Tue 20 May 2025, 5:17pm

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Rhys Kawana, a rugby player from Otane Sports, died on Sunday morning following a vehicle crash in Waipawa. The community is paying tribute to the teenager, who was a student at Hastings Boys’ High School. Reports differ on whether the incident involved one or two vehicles.

How they headlined it

4:27pm5:17pm

1. NZ HeraldTue 20 May 2025, 4:27pm

   Tributes for Hawke’s Bay teen Rhys Kawana after fatal Waipawa crash: ‘Outstanding young man’ (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 20 May 2025, 5:17pm

   ‘Skilled sportsman’: Hawkes Bay community pays tribute to rugby-loving teen (opens in new tab)