Tārati Buckley has been named as the victim of a homicide in Northland.

'Deep shock': Family mourn respected kuia as man faces murder charge

Author: Brodie Stone ,
Publish Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2026, 2:58pm

The whānau of a kuia allegedly murdered in the Far North say she dedicated her life to helping others, especially tamariki and mokopuna.

The whānau of Tārati Buckley, also known as Nanny and Nanny Dot, confirmed her death in a statement yesterday.

The 76-year-old was found dead by police at a property in Whirinaki this week.

Police first found Buckley’s burned-out SUV about 100km south in Tangowahine, Kaipara. Their efforts to locate the vehicle’s registered owner led them to her Ōpononi home, which police allege had been burgled.

Police said they became concerned when Buckley was not there. She was later found dead about 6km away in Whirinaki.

A 26-year-old man was charged with her murder, as well as arson, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage, and failure to assist police.

Buckley’s whānau yesterday described in a post online their “deep shock and immense mamae [pain]” at her death.

“She was taken from us far too soon, in circumstances that we are struggling to comprehend and accept,” the statement said.

Buckley was a former principal at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga.

Current principal Michelle Sarich also paid tribute, saying they worked side by side for 23 years and she would always be thankful for the time they had.

“Started out as acquaintances, then mates, now whānau, been beside each other through the best and the worst times of our lives,” she said.

Sarich spoke of unanswered questions and a deep, aching pain.

“Life has changed forever ... how to embrace this new normal when all you want to do is relive the past?

“Your imprint is etched in my soul for this life, in the next I will look for you again. Nothing will be the same without you Dot, how can it be?”

Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said Buckley’s family last heard from her on Sunday night.

“What has taken place is simply a tragedy,” Johnston said.

The man charged with Buckley’s murder appeared in the Whangārei District Court yesterday.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.

He was due to appear in the High Court at Whangārei on June 19, where he was expected to enter a plea.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.