I’m so sorry to hear this I spent many a times with Matthew travelling over NZ in the early 90s. I lived in Waitara so I’d crash at his (posh) place outside of Bell Block. I remember I discovered fragrance through him and he brought me first fragrance for my birthday YSL Jazz. He was awesome and I’m so sorry I didn’t keep in touch as I went to the UK and we didn’t have social media back then. To his family he was a kind and generous person and I’m so sorry he had been taken too soon.

Oh my Dearest Matt, I cant believe its been a year already & Im only just able to find the words.. You really were the the most fabulous gay best friend a girl could wish for! 40 Years of friendship & so many hilarious, fun, deep & meaningful, adventurous & extremely hungover memories with you!! Im so grateful for our last 5 hour video call & I will forever be heartbroken that I didnt get to spend NYE Eve 2024 with you as we planned!!! We first met at Puketapu Primary at 10 & 12 years old. I can see you in your peppermint green stubbies & 2 handfuls of gel in your hair like it was yesterday.. You took me under your wing & taught me how incredible Madonna was & that we totally needed to have a Madonna dress up & dance off. We would listen to Cassette tapes of Madonna at the end of the playground on your Ghetto blaster that you snuck into School with you, along with your Pall Mall Menthols & a large block of Cadbury chocolate. You made smoking Pall Mall menthols look so fabulous that I was easily roped into trying one & many more over the years. You taught me to blow smoke rings, like a fabulous old school film Star. We spent many many nights partying & working at the Mill together. Working like Rockstars behind that Bar while consuming a LOT of shots of black Sambuca & Whisky & rum & cokes.. We were always the last to leave anywhere, eventually ending up in your spa pool at 'The White House' drunk dialling my Mum at 7am with all of the gossip of our evening! She Loved it of course & encouraged us to call her every weekend. Which we did. Then living together in our swanky K Road Apartment in Auckland. Amazing parties with our fab Drag Queen friends Bambi & Brandy & Bertha & Buckwheat. Amazing dinner parties with our Dear Helicopter & Josh. A life time of Amazing memories with you that I will cherish forever. You had the biggest smile & the kindest most generous heart. You will be in my thoughts & heart forever. Love you to the Moon & back. Till we meet again ♥️♥️

Mathew I'm so sorry to read you have passed I will never forget you for the rest of my life You were one of my true loves I've thought of you so many times.over the years and.tried to find you but you were hard to find Reading your obituary today makes me feel sad You were one of my true loves ❤️ Hope you are enjoying your angel wings And I hope we meet on the other side Vincent ( vini)

To Mathew's family, I remember Mathew as kind fun-loving and intelligent. He was in my class at Spotswood College. Mathew had a great sense of humor and was accepting of difference. He always had the courage and confidence to be himself which I admired. He was a great barman at The Mill I loved catching up with him. I remember him always being vibrant, fun and full of life. I was sorry to hear of his passing last week and find I missed his memorial service. I fondly remember Mathew, he was one of those special kind and charismatic people you dont forget. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Gail Walton

To Mather’s family So sorry for your loss. Mathew was such a kind and fun person. Such a lovely friend. I have some wonderful memories. He will be sadly missed. Love Jo Willis

Dear Nancy Robert and Freida our deepest condolences on the loss of Matthew. Thinking of you all. Lots of love Joan Jackson and family

To Robert, Nancy, Frieda and Family We all had many connections with your family from the BBK Hood, Sport, School, Friendships, Hospo, and parties! Matt could lift the energy in the room beaming his infectious smile doubling with personality Very saddened to hear of your loss, he will be missed however he will always continue to be a part of our stories Koot Whanau

My condolences to the family. I only knew Matthew for a short time but in that time the level of kindness & support he gave to me was second to none. He was a true angel who cared about anyone he met. Rip

Robert, Nancy, Frieda and family. It broke my heart to hear the news about Matt. I have the happiest memories of my friendship with him. Always the class clown, the life and soul of the party, but most of all an amazing loving and compassionate friend. I think of him often and am sad that I didn't get to see him in recent years, but im so glad for the great memories. I love the photo you chose for his tribute page. It's the Matt I will always remember. My thought, tears and prayers are with you all

Matt it's been a long time! I got a shock when I found out you had passed away suddenly. I felt a great sadness that I would never have the chance to see you again. You were the life of the party. Working with you at The Mill was always fun, you had so much energy and flair. You were my biggest supporter & encouraged me to be fearless with my art. I loved being part of your family, it was a special time, I treasured you as my friend. Deepest sympathy goes to your family at this sad time & apologies that I can't be at the funeral to be part of celebrating your life. Rest in peace my friend lots of love Leanne

To Nancy, Robert and family my deepest commiserations. I have such fond memories working with Mathew at The Mill. Mathew will be sadly missed by many.

To Nancy, Robert, family and friends. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you all. May your treasured memories of Matthew guide you through this most difficult time. Thinking of you. Pam and Gary Smith

My sincere condolences. Matt was an amazing man he always had the right words to cheer me up even at my lowest . We spent lots of time laughing together . He was loved by everyone ❤️ rip Matt always in my heart 💔

My sincere condolences to Nancy and family Mathew was the light of my life especially when we were together he made me laugh when times were down for me, he spoilt me on birthdays and Xmas especially my 70th last year he was kind and loving towards everyone and I will miss his beautiful smile and his amazing kindness my tears will be with me for a very long time that my beautiful friend has gone too soon fly high my friend and I will miss you forever and thank you for being the beautiful soul you were until we meet again Matty and God bless you and your family 🙏

Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

My Sincere Condolences to Mathew’s family. Mathew had a lot of friends and he made every one of them feel special and did anything he could for them, me being one of them. He fought a huge battle but was so strong. My heart is heavy with sadness as I know yours will be too. Rosie van der Linden RPH 10/03/2024 Miss You My heart still aches with sadness, and many tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. I hold you close within my heart, and there you will remain. To walk with me throughout my life. Until we meet again. ❤️🙏❤️

My sincere condolences to the Mong family. Mathew was a very important figure for me growing up at Spotswood College. To this day, I talk about him fondly and the massive influence he had on my life at that time. I remember with great fondness the parties he would throw at his house for us young teenyboppers. He got me into all kinds of great music that I very much still appreciate! (Blue Monday was a biggie!). I know it's been a long time, but I still think about him as a huge inspiration to me. Arohanui to friends and family. RhysX

Frieda and family.. that is such sad news! I pray God brings comfort to you all in the hard times and heals the brokenness in your hearts 💜 big hugs xo

To the extended Mong family. Sincere condolences on the sad passing of Mathew. It was a pleasure to have taught Matt and coached him in Volleyball at Spotswood College. I have fond memories of our Volleyball trips etc during 1986-1989. Thinking of you all at this sad time. RIP Mathew.