Special occasions can be some of the hardest times for children, young people and whānau after someone they love has died. Birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, family celebrations, school milestones and other meaningful dates can all bring grief back to the surface, even years after a loss.

Kenzie’s Gift, an Aotearoa New Zealand charity supporting young Kiwis and their whānau through serious illness and grief, has shared helpful guidance on coping with special occasions after someone has died.

The article explains that grief does not follow a simple timeline. While the early days after a death can be incredibly painful, grief can continue to appear at different stages of life, especially when a loved one is missing from important moments.

For tamariki and young people, difficult dates may include obvious occasions such as a loved one’s birthday, the anniversary of their death, wedding anniversaries or major holidays. However, grief can also be triggered by quieter milestones, such as the last day of school, a graduation, a first job, a birthday, or later life events where that person’s absence is deeply felt.

Kenzie’s Gift encourages whānau to remember that every child and every family will grieve differently. Some may want to mark the day by remembering the person who died, while others may find that too painful and prefer to do something completely different. Both responses are valid.

One helpful approach is to talk openly as a family before the occasion arrives. This gives children and young people space to share what they feel comfortable with, whether that is lighting a candle, looking through photos, cooking a favourite meal, visiting a special place, writing a card, or simply having a quiet day.

It is also important to recognise that different people in the same family may need different things. Some may want to talk about the person who died, while others may need a break from the intensity of the day. Creating a small shared moment of remembrance, while also allowing people to step away if they need to, can help make the day feel more manageable.

Parents and caregivers are also reminded to look after themselves. Supporting a grieving child can be emotionally demanding, and special occasions may be painful for adults too. Taking time to rest, connect with supportive friends, prepare a comforting meal, or do something calming can help show children that caring for yourself is also part of coping with grief.

Kenzie’s Gift suggests several gentle ways families can mark special occasions, including creating a memory box, making a photo board, listening to a loved one’s favourite music, writing a letter, gathering with friends and whānau, or starting a memory book that can be added to each year.

The key message is that there is no right or wrong way to face these days. What feels right one year may feel different the next. The most important thing is to approach the occasion with kindness, flexibility and understanding.

Kenzie’s Gift continues to provide resources, support kits and funded one-on-one therapy for young people and families across New Zealand affected by serious illness, grief or bereavement.

To read the full article, visit Kenzie’s Gift here: Coping with special occasions after someone has died.

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Hamurana, Nort of Rotorua on Tuesday 13 January.

He was 21-year-old Te Peeti Melahkai Raki, of Hamilton.

Two people remain in hospital following the crash.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash, and are still seeking any CCTV footage or dashcam video of a silver Lexus sedan, carrying the registration DZS7, on State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, between 4pm and 5:30pm on 13 January.

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Update Report", or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 260113/9655.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The provisional number of road deaths in 2025 is currently 272, down from 292 in 2024.

This marks three years in a row that road deaths have seen a reduction, due in large part to Operation Open Roads, says Superintendent Steve Greally, Director Road Policing.

"Over the last three years, we have seen constant reductions in the number of fatalities on our roads, while we have also nearly tripled the number of alcohol breath tests in that same period.

"For another year, our officers have worked tirelessly to ensure we can do everything possible to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads."

While the numbers continue to trend down, we are still seeing far too many families have their lives changed upon receiving news that a loved one has been lost.

Police has conducted nearly four and a half million alcohol breath tests in the 2024/25 financial year, as well as issuing over half a million speeding infringements.

"Breath testing and speed enforcement are two of our main focus areas, and we will continue to make no excuses for stopping and testing people.

"We continue to ask drivers to play their part and make sensible decisions both on the road and before you get behind the wheel.

"Unfortunately, we are still seeing evidence that people are making the wrong decisions when it comes to speed.

"Our aim is to see the number of speed infringements issued drop, which is an indication that people are doing the right thing, and following the sign‑posted speed limits.

"Plan your journey ahead so you have plenty of time and are never in a rush on the road."

In December, Police rolled out roadside drug driver testing in the Wellington region, and expects to scale up nationally between April and June 2026.

Superintendent Greally says Police wants to continue to work towards making a difference, and reminds people to keep themselves safe especially over the current holiday period.

"Our staff are dedicated to changing driver behaviour and working towards maintaining the lowest number of fatalities in the coming years.

"We make no apology for taking action against anybody who is putting their life, and the lives of others, at risk on our roads.

"Put your seatbelt on, keep your speed down, put your cellphone away and make sure you are driving free of fatigue, drugs and alcohol.

"We want everybody to reach their destination safely.

Stay patient on the roads, and make sure you do everything you can to keep everybody safe.

Police can now name the man who died in hospital after being struck by a car on McGrath Street, Napier, on 26 December.

He was Carl Louis Duncan.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and Police are still wanting to speak with any witnesses, or people who provided assistance to Mr Duncan before emergency services arrived.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 251227/1644.

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a house fire in Trelawney Crescent, New Plymouth on 24 December.

He was 49-year-old Dion Thompson, of New Plymouth.

Our thoughts are with his family and those close to him at this difficult time.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fire.

The Taxpayers' Union today mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain, widely regarded as New Zealand's finest and most influential political cartoonist of the contemporary era. Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers' Union, said: "Garrick Tremain was a national institution. His intelligence, humour, and insight shaped political debate in this country for generations. He had an extraordinary talent for exposing hypocrisy and absurdity with a pen, and he did so fearlessly. His passing is a genuine loss to us, and to New Zealand's political and cultural life."

"For decades, Garrick's work cut through political spin with intelligence, clarity, and unmistakable wit. His cartoons were never merely humorous; they were incisive, challenging, and often uncomfortable for those in power." "In recent years, we were honoured to count Garrick as a supporter of the Taxpayers' Union. His financial support was generous, principled, and grounded in a shared belief that robust criticism is essential to a healthy democracy," said Williams. The Taxpayers' Union extends its deepest sympathies to Garrick Tremain's family and friends. His unique contribution to public discourse will be profoundly missed.

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a motorcycle crash in Kaitaia on 12 December.

He was Marcus Tepania, 31, of Kaitaia.

Our thoughts are with his friends and whānau at this time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

Police can now release the names of the two climbers that died on the north buttress of Sabre Peak, Fiordland, at the weekend.

They were 28-year-old Connor Scott McKenzie, a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada, and 23-year-old Australian citizen Tanmay Shetankumar Bhati.

Both men resided in Australia.

Police remain in contact with the men's families and are offering ongoing support.

Their deaths have been referred to the Coroner.

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Māngere on 3 December.

Emergency services were notified of the two vehicle crash on State Highway 20 at about 4am that day.

The man was assessed by ambulance services to have critical injuries at the scene and was transported to hospital.

Sadly, he died from his injuries overnight.

Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time.

Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.

Police is releasing the name of a swimmer who died at Lake Wainamu last week.

Shubham Kumar, 23, had gone swimming with friends on the evening of 8 December 2025.

The Police National Dive Squad recovered Shubham's body on 9 December.

Police extend our condolences to his friends and family for their loss.

Shubham's death has been referred to the Coroner.

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa, on 1 December.

He was 51-year-old, Brett Biddle, of Rotorua.

Our condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Attributable to Inspector Ross Granthan, Manawatu Area Commander:

Police can now release the name of the two people found deceased following a house fire in Foxton Beach last Tuesday.

They were 79-year-old Thomas Muliaga, and 71-year-old Fiona Cameron.

Our thoughts remain with their family and friends at this sad time before Christmas.

The investigation into the cause of the fire has concluded.

It is not believed suspicious and the deaths have been referred to the Coroner.