9 August 2006

Media statement

Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on behalf of the family of Te Ina Marokura Ngamata

Te Ina Marokura Ngamata, 37, was killed in Baghdad last night (8 August). He died after the vehicle he was driving was bombed. The vehicle was transporting foreign workers.

Te Ina was born in the Cook Islands and lived in Hamilton. He had worked as a driver in Baghdad since 2004. He had returned to New Zealand regularly, most recently two weeks ago.

Te Ina's sister in law, Charmeyne Te Nana, said Te Ina was a warrior and a loving family man who was dedicated to his wife Cheryl and their four children.

She said that Cheryl and Te Ina's brother Taneao would travel to Kuwait tomorrow with the assistance of Te Ina's employer to bring his body home. He will be buried in Rarotonga.

Charmeyne said that the family did not wish to make any further public comment and asked that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

ENDS

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