More than 1000 people farewell Justyce Potaka-Kumeroa, taking to the basketball court one last time

A packed Activewest Stadium is usually reserved for a sell-out crowd cheering on the Buccs, with plenty of raucous fans in the stands barracking for their local team. But on Wednesday afternoon, the stadium was packed in silence as the basketball community gathered to say farewell to Justyce Taryn Potaka-Kumeroa as he was laid to rest. Fittingly, the rising basketball star who loved the sport so much took to the court one last time. More than 1000 mourners gathered to pay tribute and send off their friend, their teammate, their family member. The clocks were frozen displaying 14 and 17, his Olympians’ jersey number and the age he will forever be after losing his life in a fatal car crash on Christmas Eve. People were dressed in black and white — his favourite colours — only broken by the blue and gold of the team he was destined to play for with Buccaneers players and staff in attendance. His coffin was carried out by his Olympians teammates and brother and was draped with his Olympians jersey, taking its place on the centre court. His mother, Marere Ihe Rangi, was the first to speak in a brave speech that no parent should ever have to give. “I haven’t really written much. What can you say as a mother,” she said. “There are no words for the pain I feel today. All I can say is I’m so proud of the man you grew in to be, the friend and brother you are but most of all proud of the son that you are. “I love you.” A traditional hymn Whakaaria mai was sung shortly after and the impact Justyce had on the community was plain to see on the faces of those gathered. His brother and sister, Chance Potaka and Manaia Brown, came forward and shared their memories of their “Justy”. Manaia spoke of her love for him from the day he was born, describing it as “one of the happiest days of my life”. “You were the first for a lot,” she said. “You were the best little and big brother to our siblings. The girls still walk around and ask for him and my heart shatters for them.” “But I’ll make sure they’ll know their big brother. I’m so proud of you, my boy. You achieved so much in 17 years.” Adrian Bartlett, from the Olympians Basketball Club, spoke about Justyce’s achievements both on and off the court. “We were blessed as a team to have Justyce and his family join us,” he said. “It was a better place when Justyce was around the court.” Mid West basketball development officer Dan Hunt then recounted what Justyce was best known for — his love and skill for basketball and his cheeky smile. He shared his own experience working as a relief teacher at Champion Bay Senior High School — how a simple interaction with Justyce, where he welcomed him and shook his hand, was enough to get him through the day and back at the school for the rest of the year. “There is no doubt he would have been a Buccaneer. He was a team man who was humble of his own talents,” he said. “I can see it now: ‘two points down with two seconds left, Potaka steps outside, Potaka for three!’ “(Buccs MC) Brett Giles saying ‘Buccs fans in the stands everybody clap your hands’.” The gathered crowd obliged, clapping along with the famous chant. “I use humour a lot to help deal with things but I haven’t found anything to laugh about here. We will miss Justyce,” Hunt said. Pastor Matt Paton delivered scripture and gave a message about Justyces faith, and his family’s trust. Family and friends then shared their own stories of Justyce before they were invited to lay flowers on his coffin and line the sides of the court. His teammates took him on a lap of honour around the court before leading him out with a guard of honour while some members of Justyce’s family delivered a powerful haka tribute as he was being led away from the stadium.