Community reeling as much-loved kuia named as homicide victim
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
76-year-old was found dead at a property in Whirinaki earlier this week.
Tārati Buckley, a former principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga, is remembered as a staunch defender of te re Māori.
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said the woman was last in contact with whānau on Sunday night.
Whānau of the much-loved educator and community stalwart allegedly murdered in Northland say they are in “deep shock” at the loss as tributes pour for revered kuia Tārati Buckley.
Communities around the Hokianga Harbour are mourning the death of Buckley, known as “Nanny Dot” after the 76-year-old was found dead at a property in Whirinaki earlier this week.
Police launched a homicide investigation after Buckley was found dead following a series of enquiries that began with the discovery of a burnt-out vehicle near Tangowahine.
The trail took investigators across very different parts of Northland, from a vehicle fire near Tangowahine to Opononi and eventually Whirinaki, locations separated by more than 100km and about 90 minutes’ drive.
A 26-year-old man appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday charged with murder, arson, theft of a motor vehicle, burglary and using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage.
Do you know more? Email chris.marriner@stuffdigital.co.nz
Buckley, a former principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga, is remembered as a staunch defender of te re Māori.
Whānau shared details of her death “with deep shock and immense mamae”.
“She was taken from us far too soon, in circumstances that we are struggling to comprehend and accept,” they said.
“She dedicated her life to the betterment of others, especially our tamariki and mokopuna.”
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said the woman was last in contact with whānau on Sunday night.
“What has taken place is simply a tragedy,” he said.
“We are putting support in place for whānau, who have travelled into the region following news of what has happened.”