A family in Rotorua is mourning the sudden passing of Julz AzaHaze Collier, also known as Julz or Jilleen Collier, who died in Rotorua on the night of August 14, 2026.
The heartbreaking news was shared by her family, who described the loss as one that has been difficult to put into words.
Born on January 21, 1992, Julz was the daughter of Tania Sadlier, who is deceased, Jason Collier and Pokai Morunga. At 34, she leaves behind a large family and seven children who were at the centre of her life.
She was a loving mother to Hayes, Azamayne, Tiana, Taimana, Hemi, Aries and Barry. She was also the oldest sister of Hariata, Huia, Ruatahapari, Te Ngariki, Te Kapurangi, Wananga, Jahvana and Miracle.
For her family and friends, the suddenness of her death has made the grief especially difficult. There was little opportunity to prepare for a goodbye, leaving those closest to Julz to process the loss while making arrangements to bring her home and honor her memory.
According to the family announcement, Julz was initially being held by the Coroner following her death. Her whānau planned for her to return to her home in Rotorua, allowing friends and family who knew her during her years in the city to gather, spend time with her and say their farewells.
Rotorua held a special place in Julz’s story. It was not only the city where she died but also a place where she formed friendships and developed connections with people who became part of her life.
Her family has welcomed the friends and whānau Julz met in Rotorua to come together and spend time with her before she begins her final journey home to the coast.
That journey is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 17, when Julz will be taken home to Tinatoka, 843 Te Araroa Road, Ruatoria.
Her final service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at 11 a.m., according to the family announcement. She will then be laid to rest on the hill at Tinatoka.
The arrangements reflect the strong connection Julz maintained between her life in Rotorua and her wider whānau on the coast.
For her children, siblings, parents and extended family, the days ahead will be filled with grief and remembrance. The sudden loss of a mother, daughter or sister leaves an absence that can be difficult to comprehend.
Her children will carry forward memories of the time they shared with their mother, while her younger siblings will remember Julz as their oldest sister. Friends and extended whānau will also hold their own memories of the woman they knew and loved.
As Julz’s family prepares to bring her home, Rotorua friends and whānau are being given an opportunity to say goodbye and stand alongside those closest to her.
Her life was deeply connected to her children, family and the communities she became part of. Though her death has brought profound sorrow, the memories she created with those around her will remain with them as they mourn her passing and celebrate her life.
May Julz AzaHaze Collier rest peacefully, and may her children, family and whānau find strength and comfort in the love and memories she leaves behind.
