They way in which I would always greet you.... (given the time of day)..."Morena", it took a while but before we knew it....it soon rolled off your tongue. I was privileged to grow a relationship with you for almost 3 years. My first impression was seeing you in a 'teams' meeting with a radicle looking heavy metal t-shirt. This guy was running the show?? Overtime I soon realised there was more to you than just a radical t-shirt, curly hair and rad glasses. Your sense of humour, intelligence, support and ability to draw people into be the best version of themselves was infectious. You were not only a fantastic mentor (although I doubt you'd think that), but my daily go to. You will be sadly missed my friend. Such a sad loss an uncomprehensible loss at that. You have left huge shoes that I'm sure many will find it hard to fill. Nga mihi nui ki a koe, rest easy e hoa until we meet again.

Heyden was witty, professional and very lovable. I will miss his contribution in change management. In him we lost a very good man.

Thoroughly enjoyed the service and in keeping with the HOB I knew and worked with in the early 2000s at the tax office. My condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew him.

"Hello Amanda O'Brien, No relation". These were the words Heyden said to me every time our work paths crossed. After listening to your beautiful family and learning more about you, I can honestly say now that I would be happy and proud to be related to you. Health NZ will miss you Heyden. Amanda

I’m going to miss ansham Heyds. Can’t believe you have left us so soon. Love to all your family Adham, Anne and Nils

Sorry I’m not there in person but watching via live stream. It’s been a pleasure working with you both at TAS and IRD. Your positive outlook in life during times of uncertainty was a pleasure to be around. Your professionalism at work and your dedication is a sentiment of who you are. Your love of music was a lot of our discussions and let to me frantically searching Apple Music for said artist You will be missed

Heyden. I will miss all of the laughter and wacky conversations we used to have, along with the love of synthesiser music. I will miss your calm approach to difficult issues and the Thursday moring office banter. Dave

Your time shared with me over the bar was always a reminder of how Important you were as a friend. thank you for your wise interjection in my own trials and tribulations, you will be there as a teacher in my memories as I go on in life, not viewing this as a Burden but as a Blessing behind the curly veil and glasses. That you were. Big Bruv.

Hello Heyden I'm really at a loss for words and can't make sense of why you life was taken so early, to say I'm shocked and so deeply saddened is an understatement. We created some fun memories, introducing me and my son Tim, to Zelda, the family battles we would have with Crash Team racing, the music you introduced me too, the uniqueness of Aro Valley, things I will never forget. Your values of loyalty, strong work ethic, connection to family, your love of Burmese cats, the importance of privacy and stoic ways, shone through Heyden. You will be so deeply missed, by so many, leaving a chasm in people's lives you were close to. I am truly grateful our paths crossed, the influence you had on my son Tim, and the true friendship that grew from that. I'm sorry I can't be there today, in real life, Tim will, for us, and me from home online. Raewyn, Darcy and all your family, my heart aches for you all, it was a cruel twist of fate that took your son and brother, nephew, cousin, away. Sending all the compassion, love and care your way. Much heartfelt love, Gillian

Heyds is in our hearts for always. We can not stop thinking and talking about Heyds boy, and how dreadful this is for you and Darc. To face every day with this awful thinking he is not here anymore. We love you and are with you. Gerada and Chris from The Netherlands

Heyden Kim and I were deeply sorry to hear this news, it's so unexpected, I keep thinking back in disbelief. Kim and I both enjoyed the years we spent working and socialising with you - it was so ironic how you went f rom working with Kim and IRD to working with me at TAS. I found your world view refreshing and interesting, and really enjoyed your dry sense of humour - your sarcastic rants on facebook were always a laugh. I will miss our catch ups. Thanking of you and your family, rest in peace and love. Sherry and Kim

Hi Heyds, I am shocked to know your passing, it is so hard to comprehend, what a great loss to everyone in your life, you will be missed sorely. Knowing you for over 10 years as a family friend, I always enjoy catching up with you and the family over Christmas, and bantering with each other on Facebook. “Luxury Draught Stoppers” wouldn’t thrive without you. Words can’t express my sorrow, my deepest condolences.

Hi Heyds, I am shocked by the news of you passing, it is so hard to comprehend for me and your entire family, what a an incredible loss for everyone in your life. You will be sorely missed. Knowing you for over 10 years, I always enjoyed catching up with you and the family over Christmas , and bantering with each other on Facebook. "Luxury Draught Stoppers" wouldn't thrive without you. Words can't express my sorrow, my deepest condolences. Yadi

Sorry Heyden that I can't be present personally for your final CAB. It was great working with you at TAS/HNZ. You were always strict on ensuring due process was followed but also happy to help and go the extra mile to ensure changes where complete and ready to be accepted at CAB. You will be missed.

Dear Heyden, Where do we begin? The news of your sudden passing has left us all with heavy hearts, and it still doesn’t feel real. Almost a decade spent working alongside you, laughing with you, and growing as friends, now feels like it was too short. You were so much more than a colleague, you were a friend, and a beacon, someone whose essence lit up every room you walked into. Your humour, always cheeky and spontaneous, will be sorely missed. And those crazy, out-there posts of yours — they kept us all on our toes, always ready for the next laugh or grimace. You had this incredible ability to make people feel at ease, no matter the situation. You were a calming presence when things got tough, and your honesty and openness made you a person people gravitated towards. You weren’t just a professional, you were a heart of the team. We can already feel the void in the work we do without you beside us. Ko ngā maunga me ngā awa o te Wairarapa, ko ngā tangata o Ngāti Kahungunu, me ōu hoa me ōu kaimahi rānui hoki, kei te mihi atu ki a koe mō tōu tautoko, mō tōu aroha, me tōu manaaki ki te hunga katoa. Ko ngā tangata nō te rohe Wellington hoki, i pa ki a koe, kei te mihi atu hoki mō tōu aroha me tōu māhaki i ngā wā katoa. Ka hoki koe ki ngā tūpuna, ki ngā whare tapu. Noho mai i roto i ngā whakaaro me ngā kare a roto. (The mountains and rivers of Wairarapa, and the people of Ngāti Kahungunu, and your friends and colleagues near and far thank and acknowledge you for your support, love, and care for all. People from the Wellington region, whom you impacted, send their thanks for your kind and humble ways. You now return to your ancestors, to the sacred places. Stay in our thoughts and hearts.) Your legacy lives on in the work you did, the people you touched, and the memories we’ll carry with us. You’ll always be remembered as the kind-hearted, honest, and funny person you were. We will forever miss you, Heyden. May you rest in peace. With love, Your friend Mark Bolleboom

Love you Heyden. It is hard to comprehend how early in life you’ve left us. The memories are great and will be held onto. I loved your wicked sense of humour combined with intelligence. Your observations of the state of the world and nation were so accurate, with your added zeal showed your passion and kindness. Some photos from 1997 :) RIP & RIL xox