Finley Chapman - May 1982 – February 2024

Finley was born in Middlemore Hospital, Otahuhu NZ. Her Mum is from the Falkland Islands and when she worked at Air New Zealand in 2004, she learned about an interesting wee island, Norfolk Island!

Curiosity about similarities between the island nations was the driving force for Mum’s first visit in 2010 with Finley and her young son in tow following a “Can I come with you?” conversation. After that first visit were more visits with extended family where the magic of the island prevailed and eventually Finley and her family decided to call this beautiful island home in 2017. For a time, Finley owned and ran the café at the airport. COVID and life took its toll and there were the inevitable ups and downs but fast forward….

Sometime between the night of the 23rd of February and the evening of the 25th of February 2024, our beloved Finley went to have a nap on her sofa, and she did not wake up again. She had a medical event that took her peacefully in her sleep. Her family are heartbroken more than words can express.

The family don’t have all the details and test results yet; that will take more time. She had a nasty cancerous lump which was removed and thankfully no chemo or radiation was needed but she struggled with other health issues and sadly left family and friends missing her more than words can express. Family and friends who knew and loved her are sad and a little lost because it just does not seem real, however the are a lot of happy memories to recall which are a small comfort.

Thank you to the community that has come forward to support and love her family and ensure they are all supported at this sad time.

To all those who were talking or messaging with Finley, especially over the past 6-12 months, know how important you were to her. She is so loved and missed. RIL/RIP beautiful girl. Remember her this way.