Strong as an Elephant - 24/09/2011 to 02/01/2023

Caleb was a student on the Bay of Plenty Central Resource Teacher of the Deaf (RTD) caseload. Sadly he passed away on the 2nd of January this year due to a long-standing battle with cancer.

Caleb was a strong person and wise beyond his years. He was kind, gentle and amazingly respectful to adults and his peers. Caleb would always take the time to check in with his friends and see if they were alright. He was a keen outdoorsman and loved fishing, fossil hunting and skydiving.

Recently, Caleb had the opportunity to visit and hug an elephant, which he really wanted to do.

We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Scott and Rachael Kupa. We thought of Caleb as a true treasure, and our team will sadly miss him.

This is Caleb’s Karakia which was read by Kelly Kupa-Marsh & Lee Kupa at his funeral.

Whakamānawatia,Whakamānawatia
Whakamānawatia i ēnei taonga ohooho
He whakakai marihi
He kuru tongarewa
He taonga tuku iho
Āku Māhuri Tōtara
He ao te rangi ka uhia ma te huruhuru te manu ka rere ai
Tū te ihi, tū te mana, Tū te mauri o ō tatou tipuna
Haumi e, hui e, taiki e!

Bless, bless
Bless these treasures of immense value
This precious ornament
This prized greenstone
This jewel passed down
Our tōtara sapling
As the clouds adorn the heaven so feathers adorn a bird
Standing with ihi, mana and the essence of our ancestors
We come together to unite and let it be done.