VC’s message on the death of our international student

Kia ora koutou,

It is with great sadness that I share the tragic news that one of our students, Kyle Whorrall, lost his life in a homicide in the Auckland suburb of Meadowbank over Easter weekend.

We have been working closely with NZ Police since the weekend, who requested we do not share details until the formal identification was completed. This was done earlier this afternoon.

Kyle joined the University about four years ago as an international PhD student studying entomology in the School of Biological Sciences. Colleagues have described him as a kind and thoughtful man, a gifted researcher and a rising young scientist in his field. 

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. The University has been in close contact with Kyle’s family in the US and is helping them with their travel arrangements to New Zealand. 

I know that many of you in the wider University community will be deeply affected by this tragic loss. Please remember support is available for all staff from the Employee Assistance Programme and for all students from Student Support Services. 

A condolence book will be organised by the School of Biological Sciences and will be given to Kyle’s family.

Ngā mihi nui,

Professor Dawn Freshwater 

Vice-Chancellor