A pohutukawa tree has been planted in St John’s Bush in Meadowbank in memory of American entomology PhD student Kyle Whorrall (33), who was fatally attacked while sitting alone in a St John’s Rd bus shelter at Easter weekend.

A 16-year-old youth has pleaded not guilty to his murder.

Kyle’s mother, Carole, who flew from the United States to take her son’s body home, helped plant the tree as part of a moving ceremony on May 5 organised by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. She was surrounded by Kyle’s friends, flatmates and University of Auckland colleagues as well as Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and representatives of Ōrākei Local Board.

Mrs Whorrall showed tremendous strength, dignity and grace throughout the ceremony and afterwards as those present hugged her and expressed their sorrow, shock and shame that such a senseless violent act had taken her son’s life.

Kyle had spent four years in New Zealand and was in the final stages of a PhD in entomology. He was based at Landcare Research in St Johns, and had been predicted to have a bright future.

Desley Simpson said the pohutukawa — a special tree, native to New Zealand, which blossoms at Christmas — had been planted “in a forever resting place as a living memory of your son.” It will be cared for by Auckland Council arborists. OLB chair Scott Milne said the community remained shocked and angered that such a tragedy could happen in their neighbourhood.

Those of us present who didn’t know Kyle personally had a glimpse of his gentle and joyful personality in his insect paintings, including a smiling bee, on four small stones placed around the base of the tree.

May he rest in peace.

1. The memorial pohutukawa in St John’s Bush, with four stones at the base showing his soft spot for insects.