The uncle of a young Mount Maunganui landslide victim has paid a touching birthday tribute to his teenage nephew, saying he will always be proud of the person he was.

Max Furse-Kee was killed in the devastating landslide last week, which also claimed the life of fellow Pakūranga College student Sharon Maccanico, who he was on holiday with at the time.

Puvi Nadason, Furse-Kee’s uncle, marked what would have been the keen sportsman’s 16th birthday today – six days after the tragedy – with a moving message.

“You shaped me into the man I am today. Being your uncle was a privilege, and while people said you were lucky to have me, the truth is I was the lucky one. Helping raise you was one of the greatest gifts of my life”, he wrote on social media.

Nadason said that Furse-Kee taught him love, patience and kindness.

“You were my safe space, my best mate, and the reason I became a dad.”

Mount Maunganui landslide victim Max Furse-Kee (left) and uncle Puvi Nadason. Photo / Nadason Fitness

He recounted key memories with his nephew, such as reading the Captain Underpants books to him at bedtime, getting his help to propose to his wife, Laura Nadason, and having him there beside him at the altar.

“Every moment was priceless. If I knew I could only get these 16 years with you, I’d do it all over again.”

Furse-Kee was loved immensely by his aunty, he said.

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“From day one, you were the centre of everything. She always said you were the glue that held this family together, and I believe that with my whole heart.”

Puvi Nadason said his nephew Fax Furse-Kee shaped him into the man he is today. Photo / Nadason Fitness

Nadason said he would always be proud of his nephew, not just for his accolades but for the person that he was.

“I have peace knowing you’re now at rest with Sharon, surrounded by love.

“You’re one of my best friends, baby. Always will be.

“Happy 16th birthday, Maxy.
Love you forever.
Uncle Puvs x.”

Puvi Nadason and nephew, Max Furse-Kee, when they were younger. Photo / Nadason Fitness

With classes set to resume this week at Pakūranga College, the school told the Herald its priority was the wellbeing of students, staff and the wider community, “in particular offering care and support to those most directly affected” by the deaths.

“We are working closely with the relevant authorities, external support agencies, and the college’s own guidance and counselling team to ensure appropriate assistance is in place.”

Max Furse-Kee and uncle Puvi Nadason, who paid tribute to his nephew on what would have been his 16th birthday. Photo / Nadason Fitness

The college said the situation was “deeply tragic”.

“Our thoughts remain with the families at this incredibly difficult time.”

Auckland teens Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee attended Pakūranga College together. Photo / Max Furse-Kee

Max was a talented sportsman, winning a basketball junior player of the year award last year.

Originally from the Southern Italian town of Picarelli, Maccanico was a talented dancer, taking home first place in the 11- to 12-year-old category of the 2023 national Hip Hop Unite Championships and appearing in dance clips online as far back as 2020.