The eldest daughter of Phil Te Riu K\u014diwi Bennett and Heeni Te Mate K\u014diwi Brown, she had two younger sisters, Tapaeorangi and Puhikura.<\/p>\n
Brown previously shared that her daughter\u2019s health came into question in November 2023, when she complained about a stiff right arm. A doctor diagnosed it as overuse syndrome, given her sporting training schedule.<\/p>\n
Two months later her parents took her back to Rotorua Hospital and she was sent to Starship Hospital for further tests.<\/p>\n
It was there she was given the shock diagnosis of a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which had spread to her lungs.<\/p>\n
Specialists told them Janie\u2019s cancer was so rare, it was unlikely any doctor would have recognised it. <\/p>\n
She has fought through chemotherapy, having her arm amputated, surgeries and trial drugs which slowed the cancer\u2019s growth for some months.<\/p>\n
But in September this year, her left lung collapsed, and on September 21 she was told she had two weeks to live.<\/p>\n
With nothing left to lose, she started a rongo\u0101 M\u0101ori journey using traditional indigenous plant-based healing.<\/p>\n
Her mother said she showed signs of improvement, such as being out of bed and talking without breathlessness.<\/p>\n
But following her 16th birthday, her condition worsened.<\/p>\n
She died surrounded by her family on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Janie Taiiringa-Roimata Bennett and her family. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Her father, Phil Bennett, said anyone who was blessed to have known her knew how beautiful she was.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was my best friend, wise beyond her age, a fighter and the kindest soul I knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter caring for her, battling her cancer these last two years, as hard as it is to let her go – we know she is in a better place and at peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her former Rotorua and Te Arawa representative basketball coach, Doug Edwards, said she would be dearly missed by her peers and wh\u0101nau.<\/p>\n
\u201cA beautiful soul, kind-hearted and well respected by all who were graced by her love. No more suffering now, Tai. You blessed everybody with your time here with us. Now it\u2019s time to rest in love with your ancestors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Janie Taiiringa-Roimata Bennett was an age group representative basketaller before she was disagnosed with cancer. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Former school friend and basketball and netball teammate Marewa Waerea-Tamai, 16, said Janie was distinguished by her dedication to sport, had a deep appreciation of her culture and worked diligently in everything she did.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike the sun breaking through storm clouds, Taiiringa\u2019s presence illuminated every room.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said Janie was the embodiment of the whakatauk\u012b (proverb), \u2018Mahia e to\u0304na ringa, tino kai tino ma\u0304kona\u2019, which emphasises fulfilment and richness in earning your own way.<\/p>\n
Marewa said her friend\u2019s life made a lasting impact, and her legacy would continue through those she touched.<\/p>\n
Janie Taiiringa-Roimata Bennett was diagnosed in January 2024 with aggressive bone cancer and she needed to have her right arm amputated. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Fellow friend and basketball teammate Maddison Koopu, 16, said Janie was kind, loving, real, and \u201cso incredibly strong\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cWithout a doubt, she is and will be the bravest girl I know. She was never far away. She was never shy, always the first to wrap her arms around me, and always there when I needed her most. Tai didn\u2019t just show up \u2014 she stayed.”<\/p>\n
Maddison said her friend\u2019s love, laughter and presence would stay with her forever.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll forever be proud of her, I love you, Tai.\u201d<\/p>\n