The parents of a "very goofy, kind and loving" Auckland teen who was killed by a train while jogging last year paid tribute to their son today, as they achieved a major victory in his name for increased rail crossing safety.
"This (advocacy) is new to us, but it helps lift the pain of losing our son," Presley Matthes said of 16-year-old son Keenan as he and wife Karamea stood side-by-side with Transport Minister Phil Twyford and other politicians.
Mr Twyford used the occasion to announce a $7.6 million project to install automatic pedestrian gates at 11 other crossings in Auckland.
The Rānui crossing, where the teen was hit while wearing headphones, was upgraded with separate funding in April.
The still-grieving parents were proud of their accomplishment today but also wanted to use the occasion to tell the world about the son who inspired them to push for change.
"He was a beautiful, beautiful boy," Ms Matthes said, explaining that her son was running that morning during school holidays because he wanted to get his own workout in before training later that morning with his rugby team.
"Teenagers usually want to stay indoors and sleep till 12 o'clock. But our son was a very accomplished, very determined person.
"He's our drive. He's our push. I know if it was one of his friends, he would be, 'Mum, what can we do?'"
Phil Twyford announced $7.6 million for upgrades to pedestrian rail crossings in Auckland.
Ms Matthes described her son as an "old soul" whose "family, friends and food was his everything".
"We miss him so much. There's never a minute of any day that we don't think about him," she said. "And I know he's here with us right now - he's got his arms around us and he's helping pedestrians keep safe."
Despite today's big funding announcement, the couple said their campaigning in honour of their son isn't done yet.
"It's great to hear that the ministers are listening to us, and no other family's going to go through the pain and heartache that we have," Ms Matthes said. "We hope the whole of New Zealand will get them done - not just here."
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