16 Aug 2021

Whānau of teen stabbed at Christchurch party thank community

4:40 pm on 16 August 2021

The family of a teenager who died after being stabbed at a party in Christchurch are thanking the community for the support and aroha they have shown since his death.

The house where the party took place

The house where the party took place Photo: RNZ/ Conan Young

Zion Purukamu of Hoon Hay died after a serious assault on Friday night. He was 16 years old.

Two other teenagers - aged 14 and 17 - were stabbed and received serious injuries.

In a statement provided by police, Purukamu's whānau said this continued to be an extremely difficult time and ask for privacy as they plan ahead for the teenager's funeral on Friday.

They thanked those who had come forward to share information with police and encourage anyone who is yet to come forward, to do so.

Police say they now have a clear picture of what happened on Friday night at the house on Medbury Terrace, Fendalton.

Detective Inspector Michael Ford said that was thanks to a large number of people who had come forward to provide information.

"We would like to thank all of those people who acted on our request for information. This has proved to be extremely valuable."

Investigators are now reviewing the CCTV footage and phone photos they received, he said.

Police earlier said 80 people attended the party at the rented Airbnb home, including a number who weren't invited.

Medbury Terrace remains cordoned off for scene examination.

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