A sombre crowd of about 200 gathered at Oamaru's skatepark this afternoon to share tears, hugs and memories of local teen Zara Blackie, who was struck and killed near State Highway 1 this week.
Zara's parents and siblings have been joined at the park by a group largely made up of pupils from her school St Kevin's College.
Zara Blackie (right) with brother Hayden and friend Rakyla Marsters. Photo: supplied
Boys from Waitaki Boys' High School performed a haka, followed by an emotional haka by boys and girls from St Kevin's College.
Pupils from St Kevin's College performed a haka. Photo: Daniel Birchfield
St Kevin's principal Paul Olsen spoke to the crowd telling them Zara was an "energetic and vibrant young lady".
"To see her potential cut short is a tragedy. The college community is in mourning, but I thank the wider community for the support they have extended a this time of great loss."
Zara's mother Wendy Blackie said her daughter would have been proud of those who came along.
"She would have wanted to be out there [with the crowd]."
Pupils comfort each other at the park. Photo: Daniel Birchfield
