Residents and whānau across Hauraki and the Waikato region received notice regarding the passing of Colin Chamberlain (born 18 August 1973) and Sandra Thom (born 1 May 1977) on Sunday, 11 October 2026. The simultaneous loss of both community members has brought profound grief to extended family networks, local marae, and surrounding rural townships. Local emergency services and public authorities were notified following the deaths.
Residents and whānau across Hauraki and the Waikato region received notice regarding the passing of Colin Chamberlain (born 18 August 1973) and Sandra Thom (born 1 May 1977) on Sunday, 11 October 2026. The simultaneous loss of both community members has brought profound grief to extended family networks, local marae, and surrounding rural townships. Local emergency services and public authorities were notified following the deaths.
Official Status and Administrative Verification
Public safety agencies, local coronial services, and municipal authorities in New Zealand have not released official technical documentation regarding the specific circumstances or location of their passing. Standard legal and coronial procedures require official administrative reviews and post-mortem certifications before issuing public reports. Authoritative findings will be confirmed upon completion of official administrative filings.
Marae Tangihanga and Funeral Service Details
Colin Chamberlain—remembered as a beloved son of Tony and Madeline Chamberlain, brother, koro, and uncle—and Sandra Thom—remembered as a devoted mother, Nan to her moko, daughter, sister, and friend—are lying in state together at Kerepehi Marae on McGowan Avenue in Kerepehi, Waikato. According to official family notices, no set ope times have been restricted, welcoming visitors as they are able. A poroporoaki is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 October 2026, after 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (final ope at 10:30 a.m.), followed by a private service at the crematorium at 3:00 p.m. and a hakari at Kerepehi Marae.
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