At the Christchurch premiere of ‘Pike River’ last week, Papanui High School came together for a special evening honouring one of their own - Sonya Rockhouse, one of the women whose heartbreaking story inspired the film.

Thursday night became full of emotion as student Billy Llewellyn-Thomas led a moving haka in tribute to Sonya. 

Footage posted to TikTok shows actress Melanie Lynskey wiping away tears during the performance, while Robyn Malcolm - who plays Sonya in the film - held her hand.

Sonya also looked overwhelmed with emotion from her former school, with Anna rubbing her back to console her. 

Melanie looked directly to Sonya after the haka had finished - a truly beautiful moment between those who lived the experience and the actresses who made it their jobs to understand what the women had been through and portray that on the screen.

The comments acknowledged the amount of love and respect between everyone at the premiere.

One person wrote: “The work she and Robyn are doing is so vital. The world needs to know about ‘Pike River’.”

“Ultimate sign of respect,” said another.

A third commented: “This must be so moving to have performed in your honour.”

‘Pike River’ tells the story of the 2010 mining disaster that claimed 29 lives, including Sonya’s son, Ben. 

It follows Sonya and Anna Osborne’s (played by Melanie) fight for justice - two mums who turned grief into a years-long battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

Before the screening, staff members Gaye Parlane and Rachel McConnel shared heartfelt words on behalf of the school, expressing how proud the community is of Sonya’s strength and determination.

In the school’s newsletter, they wrote: “The premiere was a testament to the deep respect our community holds for Sonya.”

“We witnessed a unique film capturing a huge part of New Zealand's recent history, but more importantly, we had the privilege of honouring a woman whose courage has changed our country for the better.”

“Papanui High School is incredibly proud of Sonya Rockhouse. Her story is a vital reminder of the power of dedication, the importance of fighting for what is right, and the strength of a community that stands together.”

‘Pike River’ will be in theatres all around the country from October 30.