Finlay Newton-Howes

NEWTON-HOWES, Finlay Giles:   We are heartbroken by Fin’s death on 20 August 2025 in a road accident, aged 20. Beloved son of Nicola Daly and Giles Newton-Howes, and their partners Charles McGuinness and Merrin Rutherford. Adored brother to James (dec), Toby (Rose) and Teo. Deeply loved by our large extended whanau and his many friends.

Fin was truly special, a natural leader who brought enthusiasm, care and presence, a brilliant student and NZ representative sport climber. His loss will be felt keenly.

In Fin’s memory, we are establishing an ongoing fund to support young climbers. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed (held in trust for the new fund):

Account number: 12-3629-0869591-01

Account name: Nicola Daly

Contact: Finsfund@gmail.com

Messages c/- Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis St, Te Aro.

We will celebrate Fin’s life at Old St Paul’s, 34 Mulgrave St, Wellington on Monday 1 September at 11am, followed by private cremation.

Tributes

Jaesan Ryfle-Turi

My name is Jaesan Ryfle-Turi. I taught Fin in 2021 and 2022 for Digital Technologies. Fin was such a delight to have in the class. Polite, respectful, eager to learn, rearing to try new things, and to help anybody out. Even though Fin didn’t plan to study or work in a career involving my subject, he gave his everything to his learning within it, to trying new things even when they seemed difficult, to helping his peers as best he could, and all with a smile on his face that he was only too happy to share with everyone. It’s not surprising that he chose to study medicine as he always had so much to give to others. Fin was one of the first students I taught at Onslow College, one of my absolute favourite students, and I’ll always remember his positive vibes. All of my love to his whānau at this time.

Richard` Hawke

Fin was a wonderful valued scout at 1st Karori Scout Group. Fin demonstrated his ability to adapt, cooperate with others, and enjoy life from a very early age. He also demonstrated his ability with ropes, knots and climbing. So, I was not surprised he later excelled as a sports climber. Fin always had a smile and was so engaging. I was very supportive of his choice to study medicine. I will always remember his positive and engaging outlook. All of my aroha to his whānau.

Michelle Elliott

Sending much aroha and hugs to you all. I only knew of Fin through our son talking about him. He made an impression on him like it seems many others. Thinking of you all today xox

Snita Ahir-Knight

Though I did not have the privilege of knowing Fin, hearing the memories shared has shown what a remarkable young man he was and how deeply loved he is by those around him. My heart goes out to you, Giles, and to all of Fin’s family and friends. With deepest sympathy, Snita

James Richardson

My name is Jamie, I had the immense privilege of getting to know Fin over the past year through a few mutual friends at Otago. Watching the celebration from Dunedin, seeing the outpouring of love and sorrow from so many who were far closer to Fin than I, makes me appreciate just how loved and respected Fin was in the time we had with him. How lucky he was to have such an incredible network of family and friends in his life, and what a tragedy that his time with us was cut so short. I was lucky enough to receive one of Fin’s apparently famous hugs, less than 24 hours before we lost him, and it’ll remain the most memorable hug I’ve experienced. He’s also responsible for my new favourite compliment, and one that will stick with me forever: “you’re a gem, Jamie.” From all that I’ve heard today, and all the time I’ve been lucky enough to have with Fin, he was evidently the rarest and most precious gem of them all. Rest easy boss, have a pint with James when you get there.

Tom Hartley

We’ve known Fin since he was a toddler in London. Fin back then was a force of nature. We then had an 18 year break before we got to welcome him to London on his travels over Christmas in 2023. He was the same force of nature- built differently and thinking differently to those around him. He lit up the house and the neighbourhood. He was fun, engaging, curious and I don’t think anyone in our climbing gym will forget his rampaging around the walls and climbing like they had never seen before! Our whole family stayed in touch when he moved back to start his medical studies. We will never forget the few weeks he spent making our house warmer and brighter. Our love to Fin, to Giles and Nicola and their wonderful wider family.

Luke Amos

I had the privilege of knowing Fin from the time he was in scouts. He was a fun loving, yet respectful young man, who would always put everyone else first. He was the perfect role model for the younger scouts, and perfectly embodied how a scout should be.
I then had the honor of watching him mature further, as he climbed at the gym i worked at. Whenever he walked through the doors, he had the big infectious smile, no matter how good or bad his day was. This smile and loving hug turned made every shift when he came in significantly happier for the team.
Enjoy the climbing in heaven, and fly high bro, you will never be forgotten.

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