He didn’t deserve to go that way, we were the same year and I can’t say we were very close but for 2 years straight we were in the exact same classes every subject, we had music and art together at waiorea. about 6 months before his passing I left Waiorea because it was too hard on myself at time and when I found out about dasan my heart dropped that second, instantly I was reminded of memories of his unmatched personality, he would come to school everyday not giving a shit what people think of him and have a smile on his face, I know deep down all those people who bullied him couldn’t do that, rest in love my bro 🕊️

Dasan's confidence and way of life were the reasons I survived at Waiorea. We were both non-conforming (in our own ways). I pushed gender boundaries as the only openly out takatapui, and he..... well, our Dasan was just himself. He walked with such pride, something I admired about him. You could hear him coming from a mile away by the jingle-jangle! I was bullied and taunted heavily in my junior years at NPOW. Dasan was my tuakana; he advocated for me, he was my voice when all I could hear was whakaweti. He stood up for me when all I wanted was to just crawl back into the shadows. I made it because he held the strength for me until I was ready to show up for myself. I wish he had reached out and given me the responsibility of holding out hope for him. He will be missed by his whanau whanui. In English, we say, "He will never be forgotten in our hearts". In Te Reo Rangatita, we say "kua taraihia te pautoko manawa o toku ngakau e te whao o maumahara". My aroha to the whanau Love you so much, brother. Haere, Wheturangitia e hoa.

I watched this beautiful boy grow up online. I remember the photo of Genice on the beach pregnant! I was so happy for you. He is a gift to this world and his smile is infectious. I can't imagine the loss. I'm thinking about you constantly and sending you love.

I haven’t stopped crying for the past 3 days, i never met Dasan but i knew he was a good person. We used to call every night, sometimes he’d fall asleep on call cause his mum would tell him to go to bed but i didn’t want to go just yet. I wish he called me that night, i wish i could’ve given him a hug. I’ve tried to commit before and i wish he failed just like i had. I’ll miss you so much my love, i’m so sorry x

i’m so unimaginably sorry for everyone’s loss.

Remembering you always, in the jingle of your jewellery and your engaging smile. Thank you for being my son's skateboard and snowboard buddy. My condolences to your whanau and friends. You will be missed.