Rest in love Josh. Your smile his forever contagious. I will never forget the times we shared you will be missed big man! got some embarrassing stories but feel I won't share on a public platform.. all ill say is your door needed locks, I feel sorry for your dad and that was not the perfect first time story.. This world was too good for you, I will see you on the other side. xxx

Joshy, Truly sorry we couldn’t be there today. Your loss is absolutely felt and we are all crushed. I keep asking god why do you take the good ones. Anyway, We’re all in our lounge waiting to support the Whanau from Christchurch to watch the service virtually as we farewell you onto your next journey. My last words are never stop being you!!! Legend with a big smile and a big heart. Ka kite cousin. Till we meet again in another life time. Arohanui Ayers Whanau xx

Dear Josh, Thank you for the memories at Egmont - your determination academically and on the rugby field, positivity and kindness towards all students didn’t go unnoticed. You were an incredibly respectful young man who loved fiercely and always looked out for your mates. I will fondly remember your shenanigans, cheeky grin and zest for life. Sending love to you and your beautiful family. I wish you could still be with us but I know you will always be guiding us. Xx

JOSHY 😭! Where do I begin and where to end? My heart hurts, and especially because you played such a huge part in my high school life. We had gone through so much together as a form, although I was a year younger than the rest of you, but never did that stop our friendships that we grew to be a WHĀNAU! One memory that I have specifically, was when one time I had gone around to Julna’s, we got ready and drove out to your whānau home. There were a few others there, I can remember only a handful, but I will never forget the hospitality your darling Mom & Dad put on for us 🥺. We had such an awesome night, jamming & drinking the night away, before all knocking out in the living room 😅. The next morning, your dad put on a mean breaky, before we all departed to recover from the mean hangovers we had 😂. Anyways, I reflect on this memory I have with you Josh because this is who I know you and whānau to be; loving, caring and straight up hearty people! Your influence in people’s lives is so heartwarming, and your radiant smile, your impeccable service to others, humbling heart and your laughter was so contagious in bring happiness to others 😍! Joshy, I salute you and thank you for the friendship that we had, but more for letting me call you my Big Bro from St Peter’s, even though when we had hakas, we’d put the jokes aside and put our competitiveness game on 🤣. I miss you so much already Josh, you are so incredibly missed and forever will be —please hug our girl up there for us 🥹. What a reunion that must be, also with your Mama 😍! Don’t know how else to end this Joshy, I could write forever, but please know that we love you, always and forever ♥️! Moe mai ra e hoa 😭🤍!

Josh, you came into our family when you were at Aysgarth School as a gap student. What a wonderful, gentle, kind, funny, caring young man you were. You gave your all in your work, and were loved by all the children. We enjoyed evenings together over meals, sharing South African braais and chocolate fountains. You had some very tough and unfair challenges in your short life, but always handled them with determination and positivity, never wanting to focus on yourself. We are so privileged to have had you in our lives and to have stayed in touch. God bless you now as you rest in peace. You will always have a special place in our hearts.

To our boy Josh Izzydaggwasborninmarton Hurn, You had the most mana of anyone we have ever met. The hand you were dealt was a rough one but you still lived your life to the absolute fullest and remained so positive. You were a true rangatira and led people so naturally, even if it was sometimes hard with the amount of inertia amongst our Marton crew. Everything was always a mish, event or party, and you were always the life of it. Thanks for the years of shit-talking, laughs and memories. We will treasure them forever. 28 years was not enough but we are so grateful for getting to spend a few with you We will forever miss you. Love always Jess & Jack

Moe mai rā, e te rangatira. E rere ana ngā roimata. Joshy was one of the leading lights of our akomanga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2021. I loved learning our reo rangatira alongside him. Joshy was the first one to get his meaty mihimihi done without a piece of paper and would perform it with flair and pizzazz. I would've loved to continue our haerenga reo with Joshy. He'll be there with us tho, that's for sure. Ko Joshy, kua wheturangitia koe ki te Korowai o Ranginui. Haere, haere, haere, brother.

Joshy, you were one of the first people I met when we landed in London - and you took care of me and looked out from me from that day forth. Our movie days, chats about music - life - who we liked - where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do with our lives will live forever in my heart. Life guarding together, taking study sessions, morning tea together, and many nights at the pub together; those memories I will forever cherish. The Irish times are, unforgettable. But the small times in between, the breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The smiles in hallways, and watching you play rugby. I’m privileged to know you my friend. One thing I’ll never forget is talking about our families, and how much we loved them. You lit up every room with that beautiful and cheeky smile, you could make anyone laugh, even me when I was a moody 18 year old. Your hugs are second to none, and you had this incredible ability to make people feel safe, happy, comfortable, at ease, supported and loved. Thank you for keeping in contact. Thank you for always being proud. You will always be, simply, one of the best human beings. Thank you for your friendship, laughter, those beautiful smiles and the worlds best hugs. Since our overseas times, thank you for the movie recommendations, laughter, support and continued friendship. You always cared and loved with your whole heart. You will live in my heart, and so many more, forever and ever. Thank you for all you taught me, and for always being there. I am forever sorry I didn’t get to give you the Gracie hug I promised, but one day I’ll make good on that promise - when I see you again. I will love you forever Josh.

Josh, you are and will always be a great man. I know from the days of training together that you installed great morals and an unrivalled ethos, especially for the purpose of living life to the max, in all those you have coached. You would never cease to raise spirits and bring laughter to life. You encapsulated your colourful and outgoing personality when, on your last day at Aysgarth, completed the Hakka on top of the roof of the dinning room with hundreds watching from below. Sending you all the love from the northern hemisphere. Rest easy, my friend.

Josh was someone who always stood out to me. He would make me feel seen amongst big groups of people (something that wasn't very common during uni years and parties). He would always so hi, giving the warmest of hugs and have a genuine conversation with you. From the early days of knowing him to now, his authenticity has been proven time and time again which is an invaluable trait in my eyes. I will always remember his lovely, happy, goofy face and let his strength inspire and motivated me to work through times where I find myself struggling. I am so grateful for the times and memories we shared and will always appreciate the effort Josh made. I pass on all my love and care to his family who have already been through too much. Wish you could come back, Josh. For now, I love you, and will see you again one day. From your friend, Rhi ♡ xo

Love you all our whānau 🖤, if that highway was open I would be on the road instead of writing this message (most likely with a drunk uncle or two in tow 🙄😆) - but hei aha Cyclone Gabby had other plans 😟… and thems the breaks. We’re thinking of you all and have nothing but love for you always ❤️. Uncle Pete and Chester hugs, mad love and more hugs! Cuzzy Josh what a fight 💪🏽, so so proud of you! Take your rest my cuz eternally in Paradise in the arms of Aunty Delores and all who have left before us 🕊️🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤. Always and forever Wairoa Tipu’s xoxoxoxo - If there is a photo attached 🤞🏽Josh sent that to me when he last visited Wairoa he went to Iwitea Marae and then out to The Mill (even though I told him there was a tangi there 🤦🏻‍♀️) then he messaged me cracking up saying he was getting side eyes from everyone and he didn’t recognise a single person (Typical Tipu- No ears 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣) but he took his time he needed to rejuvenate at our Marae and good on him 🥰🖤.

Much love & peace to you Josh! Our hearts are hurting - but me & my fam are forever sending our love. Unfortunately we can’t make your service, but it was a blessing to have known you. You would always give a hug & a yarn & I’ll miss seeing your face & smile around palmy my mate. Me arohanui bruv x

Josh - we only just saw you a few weeks ago and you were looking so good. Your wairua still as warm and strong as ever. I hope you know what a taonga you are. What a special person, friend, kaiako, whanau member you are. It is an honour to have known you, to have worked with you and to have experienced the aroha that came with having you in my life. Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane. Nui te aroha ki a koe, e hoa. Mā te wā.