<\/p>\n
Smith\u2019s stepdaughter, Julia Haira, told the\u00a0Rotorua Daily Post\u00a0today they were still trying to come to terms with her death.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been able to rest a little now, knowing she is home and has her family wrapped around her, especially her sons. Given what\u2019s happened, the emotions are a rollercoaster.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Haira described Smith as \u201ca truly beautiful woman with a heart of gold\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
A police investigation at a property off Taihape Rd, near Omahu, after the finding of a body on Tuesday morning. Photo \/ Doug Laing<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery child loved her, because every child felt safe, protected, and deeply cared for in her presence. Her home was always open, the kai was always ready, and anyone in need was welcomed without question.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cShe gave freely of herself, asking for nothing in return.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Haira said Smith was an amazing mother and a loving and devoted nanny to her moko, whom she also raised.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Haira said they had begun the process of celebrating the life of \u201can extraordinary woman\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was a gift who gave her all. Anyone blessed enough to have shared space with Shar was truly lucky. She was the humblest of people.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cShe never sought praise, recognition, or to be placed on a pedestal, yet she gave everything she had, always, to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Sharlene Smith pictured with her late soulmate, Simon Haira, who died in 2024. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Haira said Smith grew up on Clinkard Ave, and their front lawn was the place to be for all the neighbourhood children.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
She said everyone would gather there for bullrush, rugby and other games, and Smith was always on hand to offer the children a biscuit and a drink.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cShe always had a smile and was so genuine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Haira predicted Smith would be embarrassed at all the fuss around her now, because she was never one who liked the limelight.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was always the one in the background putting the spotlight on everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Police at a property off Taihape Rd after the discovery of Sharlene Smith’s body. Photo \/ Doug Laing.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Haira said they wanted to thank the police for their efforts so far.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have been amazing and are truly committed to solutions … It\u2019s a delicate situation, and they have treaded very lightly while doing their job and supporting the wh\u0101nau.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Wh\u0101nau member Ngahuia Wineera said Smith was a humble, loving and caring person who never failed to help in times of need.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHer home was open to anyone and everyone. She was a great mum and grandmother.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Wineera said Smith was loved by many.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are all still trying to comprehend that she\u2019s no longer here with us. We\u2019re all still in disbelief.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n