Profile photo of Roriki Dwayne Earle Hutchinson

Roriki Dwayne Earle Hutchinson

JanJanuary 21st, 1972 OctOctober 12th, 2025
Brixton, London
Roriki Dwayne Earle Hutchinson

Riki lived with an open heart and a broad smile, turning moments into memories and friends into family. Wherever he went, laughter, warmth, and generosity followed. Though his journey was brief, his spirit lingers — in the love jhe shared, the stories retold, and the light he left behind.

Obituary

Kia Orana dear family and friends,

With deep sadness, we share the passing of our beloved son, devoted father, cherished brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and loyal friend, Roriki Dwayne Earle (Riki) Hutchinson.

Dearly loved son of Mereana and the late Brian Hutchinson, Riki passed away peacefully at his home in London on 12 October 2025 after a short illness with pneumonia.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, 24 November 2025,
at West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium,
Norwood Road, West Norwood,
London SE27 9JU,
from 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm.

The service was livestreamed and the LINK will be available for 28 days from the service.

Following the service, we held a 
Celebration of Life
at The Gipsy Hill Taproom,
Unit 5, 160 Hamilton Road,
London SE27 9SF,
from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

This was a time to share stories, laughter, and memories, and to raise a glass in Riki’s honour.
The colour theme reflected his spirit — Island shirts, kilts, tartan, or simply come as you feel most yourself.

After the London gatherings, Riki’s ashes will be returned home to Rarotonga in July 2026 to rest with his father.

Many have asked about offering Koha or donations in support of Riki’s son, Oscar. A link will be added soon to the online tribute page to assist with his future education and wellbeing.

Poem 

The Purpose

Words by Roriki Hutchinson

My purpose To be Earth’s gardener
Under the encompassing sky.

To nurture those coming up as seedlings:
water, air, earth.

I am the start of life
nurture, love, share.

A beacon.
An example.

You are here

I am here to guide you
To another realm.

We have lived a long time,
beacons of love’s energy.

The shift is near, do not worry.
I will give you armour,
So you may stand.

We are to form one another.
There is much to share,
Much to give.

Let love shine through your heart.

Our journey is easy,
Lit by bright stones,
Touching stars.

See the constellations mirrored on the surface,
above and below the oceans.

I shall shine as a beacon.
I am bound to this beauty.

All paths lead home.

Timeline

1972
January 21st
Roriki Dwayne Earle Hutchinson 
Riki Is born to Meranna and Brian Hutchinson. He is the third child born of four siblings. 
St Helens Public Hospital, Auckland
1989
NZ Liqour/ Wilson Neil Ltd
Wine and liqour sales
Auckland, New Zealand
1998
Montana Wines
Riki works for Montana wines selling wine to Independant and traditional retailers between 1998 - 2000
Auckland New Zealand
1998
1st
Vintage of the decade
Team building at Montana involved going to the vineyards for what was the vintage of the decade at that time. Riki and Katrina begin their relationship here.
2001
Winerite LTD
Business development, wine and liqour sales. 
2001
Moves to the UK 
Riki moves to the UK firstly to Leeds then later to London.
Leeds
2002
January 21st
Married
Got married in Rarotonga to Katrina Hutchinson
Rarotonga
2004
Pagendam Pratt Ltd
Business development, wine and liqour sales
2005
Carpet Maintenance Services
Business development.
2006
Bibendium Wines
Riki works between 2006-2008 as a business development manger.
2008
Shepard Neame Ltd
Business development, wine and liqour sales
2010
Joined Twitter 
Joined X to share the marxist viewpoint as @DubhainH

2010
The Drinks Lover 
Riki sets up the Drinks Lover with the dream to supply great wine to the hospitality trade. During this time, he creates own label 'Hutchinson Sykes Skye Lark Bachus Brut' a sparkling wine made in England. He also takes on contract work for Babich wines and later Matawhero and Eva Pemper.
London
2011
June 10th
Birth
Riki and Katrina give birth to their first and only child Oscar James Rongo TeAva Hutchinson.
London
2022
Co-Parent
Riki and Katrina separate and continue to Co-parent Oscar.
London
2025
October 12th
Passing
After a brief illness Riki passed in his home. He developed complications from pneumonia resulting in a pumenory embolism.
London

Gallery


Condolence messages


 



November 23, 2025
Pinned
Nobody else ever called me Bob :)

The first person to make friends with our boy at Reay (the local primary school here in Brixton) was Oscar - and through him of course we met Riki and Katrina.

At first, I really couldn't make Riki out, or even where was he from. I guess I had never met a Māori, it was bit like he was from outer space. For Riki had a special very non-London way to say exactly what he felt so you would neither feel put upon, or on put guard. Not often the case here in this big old city.

He was also just Riki. Larger than life - yes it is a cliché - but now I look back at all the chats and musings we had about the injustices and absurdities of the world, I think it might be because he actually believed in Life.

A true activist, a mobiliser and organiser, he was always for the Global as much as he was for the Local (Glocal?). He supported everything from the community gardens and olive trees in Van Gogh Walk, to the little vegetable beds in the Hackford Road estate next to Reay. He was always clear about the need for community, to knit together, to co-exist. He believed in Progress, he was not a cynic. He thought the world could be a better place.

He always helped, one summer when we went away he came by every day and hung out in our garden and watered our tomato plants.

We all drift, and sadly we drifted away from Riki after the kids went on to different Secondary Schools. And the once I saw him from the top of #3 bus he was walking down the Brixton Road with Oscar, and I thought - I'll call him, we'll see him again soon.

But we won't.

I will remember Riki for all the hopes and dreams he had. And he had many. And they were kind dreams and they were ambitious dreams. And yet even now I still don't fully believe he is not with us. We're all so busy scraping away to make ends meet up here in the cold north, but I will always think of Riki down south in those lovely photos in Roratonga, when he and Oscar went there.

Nobody else ever called me Bob, and Bob I will always be.

xxx
Bob
November 14, 2025
Pinned
Being a friend of Riki's taught us many things: how to grow as much as possible inside a small flat, visitors deserve no fewer than four courses for dinner (including cheese), Lidl wine is more than acceptable quality, how to party all night regardless of age (!), and you get out of your community what you put in. He is one of the people who helped us both feel so welcome to this area of London when we moved here. Riki was truly the best neighbour we will ever have. He will be honoured and remembered at our wedding next summer in his absence.

Sian and Chris xx
Sian Elvin
November 14, 2025
Pinned
To the Rikiest Trick in the book,

I miss you painfully, old bean. It gives me joy to think of you having a dance with your ancestors though, and I hope the wine wherever you are is good.

With much love and sorrow and joy,
Joe
Joe Latimer
November 6, 2025
Pinned
Rest in Love – Roriki Dwayne Hutchinson (1972–2025) 💔

Still can’t believe you’re gone, my little cuz Riki Hutchinson — youngest son of Mereana Hutchinson and Brian, brother to Sean Hutchinson, Tania and Tarita John, proud dad to Oscar Hutchinson, co-parent with Katrina Hutchinson, uncle, cousin, mate — loved by everyone who was lucky enough to know you.

You were the one with the big grin, the cheeky comeback, super clever, big hugs, a big heart, and always an open door for any of us landing in London.

Growing up, we spent most weekends and school holidays together either at our grandmother’s, the park, or at the beach. One of the stories we always laughed about was the time I decided to double you in the tray of my white and purple tricycle — we peddled to the top of Sussex then charged down the hill, misjudged the driveway turn, hit the gutter, and both went flying! Grazed, dazed, and definitely in trouble (me) — but thankfully no broken bones!!

I was lucky enough to spend five months living with you, Katrina and baby Oscar during the London 2012 Olympics. What was meant to be a few weeks crashing in The Drinks Lover office/wine cellar turned into an amazing few months reconnecting — seeing my cousin as a man, a husband, a father, business owner, a proud Kiwi and an even prouder Cook Islander.

On my last trip to the UK in 2023, first stop was London — vogels, pineapple lumps and Whittaker's chocolate in hand. We spent a couple of days together with lots of hugs, laughs, walking and footy at the park with Oscar. As always, it was sad to say goodbye… but even sadder now knowing that was our last hug.

You left us way too soon, cuz. Our hearts are broken — you had so much more life to live with your little fish and laughs to give. But know we will wrap our love around Oscar, mum, Seanie, Tania, Tarita, Katrina and all the ānau.

Rest in love, Dwayne.
Keep the laughs going up there — give them all a big hug for us 😭 xx
Pandy Fruean
November 6, 2025
Pinned
It is with great sadness to share that Riki Hutchinson passed away on Sunday morning.

He was the most amazing father, partner, colleague, co-parent, friend, uncle, brother, son I will probably ever know.

Riki had an open heart and had a lot of love to share and always made time to connect with people. He was a positive force, smart, funny and intelligent and he will be sorely missed.

We will keep his memory with us always.

xx
Katrina Hutchinson
November 6, 2025
Pinned
I lost one of my besties this week. I am very saddened by the loss of my brother Riki Hutchinson. He passed away in London. We are shocked and saddened.

He was my younger brother but everyone thinks he’s my older, smarter, loving brother who would give everyone a meaningful hug, kind words and a spark. He had an incredible infectious warmth and positive smile.

We are fifty-somethings, me closer to the later end. We are proudly wine guys. It gave us the opportunity to talk to people about many things — wine, food, places and good times.

Riki would often work with me on projects from way back in university days until the end, all of them special and numerous. Great people and stories.

I am going to miss my little bro a lot, but I know he is with me.
RIL Riki 🍾🍷🌴🎉
Sean Hutchinson
November 26, 2025
Riki was one of my favourite people in the world. I met him at the November 2018 opening of the New Zealand embassy in Dublin, where he was great company. We stood with former All Black Brent Pope for the haka and stayed in touch for years after that. Riki’s intuition and social skills were off the charts and we had many happy meals and conversations in London or Dublin. Riki was especially kind to my son Conor, who lived in London for 10 years, and all of my son’s friends liked him, too. I salute Riki’s intelligence, humour, devotion to Oscar, grace and capacity for friendship, among many fine qualities. I flew from County Mayo in Ireland to attend Riki’s very moving funeral, where his family and friends did him proud. I mourn his loss and extend my deepest sympathy to all who loved him. Sheila Sullivan on Achill Island, Co Mayo, Ireland
Sheila Sulliv
November 25, 2025
We have not had a lot to do with Dwayne in his later life but I do remember well how he and my mum struck up a friendship when he was a.little chap and we were visiting.
Judy Teavae
November 24, 2025
Riki,

This is a little hard to write… it’s so hard to find the right words. My heart is breaking knowing you’ve passed. I will forever treasure the memories we shared the days at NZ Liquor Robbie Burns when you visited Parnell, Auckland, then our days at Montana Wines. Those moments, full of laughter and camaraderie, will stay with me always.

It has truly been an honour to call you a friend one I’ll never forget. You touched so many lives, and your kindness, humour, and spirit will be remembered by all who knew you. By the way I did start my own business what I always told you I would do.

I send you lots of love and your family too. You will be deeply missed, but today and always, I raise a glass in your honour. Fly high, Riki Hutchinson. Rest in peace x
Michelle Reid
November 18, 2025
Sending deepest sympathy and condolences to you all on your loss from the Alliance New Zealand London Office team. It was an honour to know Riki, he was a wonderful, gentle kind man. We hosted a Matariki Dinner in June together, such a beautiful evening and Riki was so engaging and inspiring. I will always remember Riki. Such a kind soul. So sad for Oscar losing his Dad at such a young age but he will live on in our hearts.
Helen Scott
November 17, 2025
One of the nicest guys in the wine world that you would ever meet!!
Shared background of being an adopted Yorkshireman and the old joys of Tetley Imperial in a pint glass.
Introduced me to the Tetley Brook vineyard in Marlborough .... through which flowed the 'sweetest water' (Babich Sauvignon Blanc).
His smile was always the best greeting you could get. You will be sorely missed as one of the 'good uns' !!!
Douglas James Tetley
November 17, 2025
Much love to you all. We have so many happy memories of our time and friendship during the latter years of our time in London.
Meeting Mereana & Brian during a visit to the East End.
We were so shocked to read of Riki's passing. NZ is such a long way away.
Oscar & Katrina & the Hutchinson family you are in our thoughts and we send our love to you all.
A lovely man taken too soon. ❤️
Fiona Shepherd
November 6, 2025
Sorry to hear, Sean. Arohanui to you and the whānau, brother ❤️
Paul Rewha
November 6, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Sending much love to you and family.
Gill Phelan:
November 6, 2025
Oh Sean… I’m so sorry. This is heartbreaking news. Our love is with you all xxx
Heather Keats:
November 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss, mate.
Brent Ardern:
November 6, 2025
Condolences to whānau bro. Moi mai rā Riki, rest in love 💜😔
Donal Campbell:
November 6, 2025
So sorry to hear, Sean. Such a lovely man gone way too soon. Sending you love from the Poolers.
Richard Poole:
November 6, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss, Sean Hutchinson. Sending you all our ❤️
Leanne Somerville Smith:
November 6, 2025
So sorry to hear this, Sean. Sending lots of love from Craig and I xx
Megan McCowan:
November 6, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sean. Sending so much love to you at this tough time ❤️
Katie Eveleigh:
November 6, 2025
Saddened to hear of your loss, Sean. Condolences to you and your family.
Helen Johnson:
November 6, 2025
Hi Sean. So sad to hear the terrible loss of Riki. Please take care, our thoughts are with you. RIP.
Ross Burney:
November 6, 2025
Sorry to hear mate.
Glen Chappel:
November 6, 2025
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 My condolences to my family.
Rest high, bro 😔 Riki.
Vasiti Lomavere:
November 6, 2025
Beautiful post, Sean 😔
Michael Broadbent:
November 6, 2025
So sorry to hear this news, Sean. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Greg Bell:
November 6, 2025
So very sorry to hear this terrible news, Sean. I met Riki a few years ago in London and we immediately hit it off — great guy! Sending lots of aroha to you and your whānau. RIP Riki ❤️
Dale Wright:
November 6, 2025
Very sad to read this, Sean. Thinking of you and your family xx
Lauren Smith:
November 6, 2025
Sean — I am very sad to hear this news. Your post really says a lot! While I never met your brother, I do know the warm and engaging you — and based on your comments he must be a great man indeed! My thoughts are with you at this difficult time, and we shall raise a glass to his life when next we are together. Be well!
Steve Dorfman:
November 6, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss, he surely will be missed 😢
Ann Van Der Linden:
November 6, 2025
Sad to hear. Had a great catch-up with Riki last trip 😢 Will always have beautiful memories of this brother ❤️ In our hearts forever ❤️ Rest in Peace Moe Maru. Condolences to Aunty Mereana and family. God bless to all xx
Moeroa Tinirau:
November 6, 2025
So very sorry to read this, much love to you all xx
Jillymae Kavana:
November 6, 2025
Sending love and prayers, Sean. Aunty Mereana and extended family ❤️🙏
Matangaro Shepherd:
November 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss, Sean. Sending much love to you all xx
Vicki Johnson:
November 6, 2025
Thoughts are with you Sean and family for what is a tough time. Sharing only good thoughts including this photo of Riki with a great smile following a chance catch-up — top floor, NZ House in London during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. As you say, wine brings people together. Best wishes to all.
Stephen Berryman:
November 6, 2025
Send hugs and kisses to all. Aue aunty Mereana, sisters Tania, Tariita, and brother Sean xx
Moeroa Tinirau:
November 6, 2025
Oh wow, Sean Hutchinson — I’m so sorry. So shocked and so sad to hear this.
Jenny Morgan:
November 6, 2025
Hey mate, sorry to hear. Deepest condolences to you and all the family. RIP Riki.
Leigh Alderton:
November 6, 2025
Condolences 💔
Gillian McKenzie:
November 6, 2025
Oh Sean, this is so sad. What a terrible loss for you and family 💔😢
Angela Adragna:
November 6, 2025
Sorry to hear this very sad news, Sean. Condolences to yourself and family.
Craig Ling:
November 6, 2025
Rest easy Riki 💔 It was such a shock to hear of this. My condolences to all the family. I hope to see you all when I can get over. Much love to you all 💖
Lorrayne Owen:
November 6, 2025
My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Take care.
Wayne Ellis:
November 6, 2025
I wish you all strength! So sorry to hear this 😢 Riki was a great man!!
Cedric ’T Kindt:
November 6, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss 😔 Sending much love to you all ❤️
Sylvia Gleeson:
November 6, 2025
Oh this is very sad news to hear, Sean. Riki was such a beautiful, peaceful young man when I knew him. My deepest condolences to you and your family ❤️
Gary Graham:
November 6, 2025
So sorry to hear mate. I lost a brother a few years ago — and it's a pretty shite time — take care, my friend.
Anton Haagh:
November 6, 2025
So sorry to hear of this, Sean. I remember meeting your brother at Prowein — he was so friendly, always beaming and welcoming of anyone. He will be missed.
Simone George:
November 6, 2025
I’m so sad to hear this, Seanie. The loss of a sibling is extra, extra painful. Much love to you and the family xx
Bridget Jakicevich:
November 6, 2025
Condolences to you and your family at this sad moment. May he RIP. GB.
Sonia Shermaine Tafatu:
November 6, 2025
I'm so sorry to read this Sean. Condolences to you and your family. If your younger brother was like you, mate, the world has lost a great individual! RIP Bro!
Alf Sapuppo:
November 6, 2025
So sorry... sending our condolences 💐
Candice Anne Solivio-Oliveri:
November 6, 2025
Really sorry to hear Sean. Will be thinking of you all.
Philip Bothwell:
November 6, 2025
Condolences Sean.
Reg Hawkins:
November 6, 2025
Such sad news, so young. Sending all our love to you all at this difficult time xxx
Helen Helen:
November 6, 2025
So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother Sean. My sincere condolences to you and your family 🙏
Paul Cibulskis:
November 6, 2025
Sean, so sorry mate. Very sad news. Be strong. Cam and Janet XX
Cameron J Douglas:
November 6, 2025
I’m so sorry to read this Sean. Condolences to you and your family. If your younger brother was like you mate, the world has lost a great individual! RIP bro!
Alf Sapuppo
November 6, 2025
Lost for words, cuz. Sending you all so much love ❤️
Terangi Brown:

Memories of Riki


What was your favourite memory?

Service


A memorial service will be held on Monday, 24 November 2025,
at West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium. 

The chapel has limited capacity, so we gently ask those receiving this message to consider whether they wish to attend the service in person, to help us ensure space for family and close friends.

Please RSVP at your earliest convenience:
Sean Hutchinson – sean@seanhutchinson.nz
Katrina Hutchinson – katrinahutchinson@hotmail.co.uk

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and the LINK will be available for 28 days below.

Following the service, all are warmly invited to gather for a
Celebration of Life at The Gipsy Hill Taproom,
Unit 5, 160 Hamilton Road,

This will be a time to share stories, laughter, and memories, and to raise a glass in Riki’s honour.
The colour theme reflects his spirit — Island shirts, kilts, tartan, or simply come as you feel most yourself.

After the London gatherings, Riki’s ashes will be returned home to Rarotonga to rest with his father.
service 
Location
West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium
Norwood Road
West Norwood
London
SE27 9JU
UK
Date/time
24th November 2025, 2.45pm.
Virtual event
Website: https://watch.obitus.com
Username: mohe4303
Password: 685882
File
Celebration of Life
Location
Gipsy Hill Brewery
Unit 8, Hamilton Road Industrial Estate
160 Hamilton Road
London
SE27 9SF
Date/time
24th November 2025. 6pm - 8pm
RSVP

LINKS 

STREAMING SERVICE
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AxqJWif4HcXFp4_hP-0ktxwaK3QxPeqh/view?usp=sharing
paste the link into the webrowser if the link doesnt work

Service Date: Monday 24th November 2025
Service Time: 02:45 pm
Service Viewing Time: 02:40 pm – 03:35 pm

Please follow the website link and input the username and password. This will take you to the stream.  Once the viewing window has passed the Live Stream will then automatically close and a message will appear saying "This funeral service has now finished". After the service, a video will be available online within three working days where it can be watched for a further 28 days at anytime.

ORDER OF CEREMONY
Link to order of ceremony handout from 24 November 2025
https://indd.adobe.com/view/227cea40-aa70-4e1c-a714-d1825b30eee0

DONATION/KOHA LINK
https://app.koha.kiwi/events/riki-s-onward-journey-oscar-hutchinson

Many have asked about offering Koha or donations in support of Riki’s son, Oscar. Any money collected will assist with his future education and wellbeing.  Faced with the long journey of setting up a strong future for Oscar, we are gathering koha to help build a foundation for his education, his growth, and his connection back to his whenua and whakapapa. If you are in New Zealand, Australia or the Cook Islands you are welcome to use the Koha link. Our Riki was always giving and we know that he would be grateful for being able to give with the giving as Koha.kiwi does, we're grateful for your generosity and kindness.

If you would like to donate directly in New Zealand, Australia or the Cook Islands we have provided bank details below.

Sean Hutchinson
ANZ Bank
06-0199-0211904-00

If you are in the UK or Europe and would like to gift directly with an envelope at the service please add your name and a contact email or address. Provided for your ease is Katrina Hutchinson’s bank account. As with all koha, we ask that you share your contact information.

Katrina Hutchinson 
Satander Bank
09-01-29 63451357

We know that our blessings remain in the people that surround Oscar as he walks his life's journey and to you we wish to share our profound gratitude and deepest appreciation.

Arohanui

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