Lorena Henriquez was a popular teacher at Wellington High School and her former students and peers have something to offer her grieving family. Henriquez, a Spanish teacher and single mother to a 14-year old son, died suddenly in March. 

“It’s been an enormous loss and left a big hole in their lives,” says Caitlin Reilly, head of languages faculty and one of the teachers organising a fundraiser for Henriquez’s family. The event includes an auction, hosted by Radio New Zealand’s Kim Hill, food prepared by the school’s hospitality students, and music performed by staff and students. The auction includes jewellery, art, vacation stays, and various other goods and services.   

“The event is to celebrate her life and raise money for her family,” says Reilly. “She was a very vibrant member of our school community.”

Originally from Chile, Henriquez’s family moved to Wellington when she was a child. She taught at Wellington High for two and a half years before dying suddenly of an undiagnosed brain tumour at the age of 39. 

“She really instigated and fostered Spanish at Wellington High as a language. Not just the language but the whole culture and vibrancy of things Spanish.”

Tickets are being sold by the school’s Student Services and cost $10.

Latina Loca, Riley Centre at Wellington High School, June 15, 7pm.