Teina Terei Son of Kiwi Entertainer Pio has Died

The son of one of New Zealand's best-known entertainers, Pio Terei, has died at just 17 years old following a battle with leukaemia.

Teina Terei, who was in his final year of high school at Auckland's St Peter's College, died on Wednesday morning at Auckland Hospital.

Teina, like his father, was an actor. He appeared in the film Billy T: Te Moviealongside his dad, was in a host of TV commercials and also appeared in TV shows like Are we There Yet, Last Man Standing and Shortland Street.

The St Peter's College Old Boys' Association took to Facebook to mourn Teina's passing, saying: "Teina had been courageously fighting a battle with leukaemia, and his tenacity was an inspiration to all of us. Teina was a true St Peter's man who will be sorely missed by students, staff and old boys alike.

"Please keep Teina and his family in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace."

Teina's father is best known from his show Pio!, The Life and Times of Te Tutu and his multiple TV appearances over the years.

In the weeks leading up to his death, Teina was full of hope on social media, looking forward to getting out of Starship Hospital and planning a trip to Fiji, writing on Instagram: "Can't wait for Fiji, thanks Pio".

He recently posted this video of Piha Beach which he captioned:

"These chemo drugs f*** with your head and really test your mental strength so it was good to be amongst nature before I'm locked up in a room for a while.

"I love the beach, I really feel I have a connection to the ocean...it makes me feel like I'm cleansing myself drawing out all the bad s***.

St Peter's College Principal James Bentley said the whole college is shocked and devastated.

- NZ Herald