1 Nov 2014

Teen charged over Luke Tipene's death

6:55 pm on 1 November 2014

A teenager has been arrested and charged with the murder of a young star rugby league player in Auckland last night.

Luke Tipene

Luke Tipene Photo: FACEBOOK

Police also confirmed 17-year-old Luke Tipene died from a stab wound during a fight outside a party in Grey Lynn.

A 16-year old male will appear in the Auckland Youth Court on Monday.

Police launched a homicide investigation into the death of Luke Tipene after a street fight outside a party just after midnight.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said police were still trying to determine how many people were at the party and on the street outside, and he was asking for people who knew anything to come forward.

"Police would like to hear from anyone who knows anything about the incident. We are interested to hear from anyone who was at the party or who was in the area and saw what happened or the events leading up to the fight."

New Zealand Rugby League said Luke Tipene was a promising player.

Jeff Whittaker, who coached Luke Tipene in the national 16s side last year, said New Zealand Rugby League had lost a brother and a son.

"He just had a lot of mana with him. He led our haka last year for the New Zealand 16s and he was part of our leadership group," he said.

"He just made it his own job that he made everyone feel welcome and part of our brotherhood in rugby league."

Mr Whittaker said Luke attended the Nga Kakano Christian school in West Auckland.