"A lot of these kids have known each other since kindergarten, so this is very tough for them," said Mr Kane, who taught Hookway for many years.

"He was a very quiet chap when he arrived here, but he became more and more confident. He was a lovely chap, a really nice bright boy who enjoyed life."

Hookway was a keen mountain biker, but flying was his passion.

For years Hookway had nursed the dream of becoming an air force pilot. But unlike many children with such lofty ambitions, he was working to realise that goal. He held down several school jobs to pay for his flying lessons at Kapiti Aero Club and was taking correspondence studies in aviation through Kapiti College.

Friends said while Hookway had a vibrant sense of humour, he was regarded as careful and considered.