Remembering Mattheus | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Reigning New Zealand air soft champions, the TAR (Taranaki) team, will compete in the upcoming national championship with a new goal in mind: bringing home the Mattheus Van Der Lee Cup.

The national committee initiated the cup in honour of Stratford's Mattheus Van Der Lee, who died on December 10 last year while playing the sport on a friend's farm outside Midhirst.

``Our priority is not to win, but for one of us to win the cup in honour of Mattheus,'' says his sister Penelope, who
on February 4-6 will be part of the competing TAR team. The cup is given to a person who has shown good
sportsmanship and dedication to his/her team and the sport.

Air soft was 19-year-old Mattheus' favourite hobby. It is similar to paintball, and involves strategy, discipline and
teamwork.

``Mattheus enjoyed planning his expeditions. It was an opportunity to have a `war' with another squad and meet up with new friends,'' says his mum, Miriam, a teacher at St Joseph's School, Stratford.

``Mattheus last year was very proud when the Stratford boys came home. It was their first time entering the competition and he had been part of the winning team.''

Mattheus was also a talented soccer player and for many years was involved in scouting, most recently as a Venturer role model and participant.

``Scouting fostered his love of nature, camping and the bush,'' says Miriam. In 2011 he obtained his Queens Scout award, the highest award achievable in Scouting New Zealand.

``I am very proud of my son,'' says his dad, Theo, who was assistant Scout leader. The two enjoyed numerous trips in the outdoors, with the most recent being to the top of Mount Taranaki.

Mattheus last year worked at the Northern Dairy to have a gap year while deciding on a career.

``He loved his God, family and partner, Renee Gould. He had a keen interest in youth groups, church camps and had a love of scripture. Mattheus was fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends. Camp skits with Mattheus were hilarious as he was able to impersonate characters. Many will remember his quick wit and cryptic one-liners,'' says Miriam.

She says Mattheus had a strong sense of social justice, and saw the opportunity of mentoring others as a privilege.

``He volunteered at camps for disadvantaged children because he recognised he had a loving family and
wanted to give back. Once he drove all the way home to pick up a toothbrush and paste for a camper who had misplaced his own.

``Many have said that Mattheus helped lead them to God. He tried to help young people find goodness and hope in the world. Mattheus wasn't about accolades, he just did it through the back door.''

The family was overwhelmed with the support received from the community.
``Our family will be forever grateful to all who assisted our son at the scene or prayed him into heaven. We have lost a son and brother, but feel we have also gained new sons,'' says Miriam.

``Rest in peace Mattheus. You are sorely missed.''