Tauranga to host vigil for Grace Millane

The vigil will be hosted at the Edgewater Fan on the Strand Waterfront. Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly.

Tauranga residents are being asked to gather as the city hosts a vigil for murdered British backpacker Grace Millane.

Members of public are welcome to attend the event, which is being hosted on Friday from 7pm-8pm at the Edgewater Fan on The Strand waterfront.

The event has been organised by 17-year-old Courtney Bignell.

The ex-Otumoetai College student says she wanted to host the event to show the Millane family they are supported throughout the country.

'We want the community to be able to come together and show Grace's family we're there and we support them.

'Her death has led to a show of solidarity throughout the country, with all of us coming together.

'At this Tauranga event people can bring candles and pay their respects.”

Labour list MP Jan Tinetti will be the MC and a guest speaker on the evening, along with Labour list MP Angie Warren-Clark.

Courtney has also been supported by the Warehouse Tauranga who has provided tea light candles and a print poster of Grace.

The vigil is in relation the death of 22-year-old British woman Grace Millane.

Grace arrived in New Zealand on November 20 as part of a year-long backpacking trip.

She was reported missing after she failed to respond to birthday messages on Sunday December 2. Prior to her disappearance, Grace had been in contact with her family every day.

Her body was discovered on Sunday in an area of bush about 10 metres off the road in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges, following a week long police investigation.

A 26-year-old man has been accused of her murder and has been granted interim name suppression.

In a media statement released on Tuesday, police confirmed Grace's body had been returned to her family.

Courtney says she, as well as many of her friends, have also considered an overseas experience themselves, following university.

'It sort of makes us feel a bit weary now, especially considering this happened in New Zealand. We're we are all thinking ‘maybe we shouldn't go overseas by ourselves now'.

'It's sad we have to think about whether we will be safe when we walk home, or go out on our own.”

Despite what happened, Grace's father hopes her story doesn't deter people from their own travels.

'Grace went off to travel the world in mid-October and arrived in New Zealand on November 20,” he says in a statement.

'By the amount of pictures and messages we received she clearly loved this country, its people and the lifestyle.

'After the disappearance of Grace on December 1 our whole world turned upside down.

'I arrived in Auckland on Friday December 7, followed by my brother Martin on Saturday 8.

'From that very first moment we have been astounded by the level of concern, sympathy and selfless help from every person we have met.

'Auckland Police have carried out the most concise, stringent and thorough investigation.

'The team, consisting at times of more than 24 officers have worked arduous long hours without a day off, little sleep or rest in helping to resolve this heinous crime.

'The media and press have been superb in their coverage and reporting of the events surrounding Grace's tragic final days.

'They have not intruded into our life and have been respectful and courteous at all times.

'Gill, Michael, Declan and myself would sincerely like to thank everybody involved and express our most profound gratitude.

'In this difficult situation where everybody is a true hero it is sometimes difficult to single out certain people.

'Despite this we would like to offer our most sincere thanks and everlasting gratitude to; Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who has been a most measured, selfless, human and professional face of Auckland Police.

'His emotional media statements have made him many fans both in New Zealand and at home in the UK.

'Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Brand, the hidden driving force of the investigation and a true police professional.

'We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE.”

He along with his brother have attended a traditional Maori blessing of the site where Grace's body was discovered.

'This was a lovely and peaceful experience,” he says.

'Finally we would like to thank the people of New Zealand for their outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion.

'Grace was not born here and only managed to stay a few weeks, but you have taken her to your hearts and in some small way she will forever be a Kiwi.

'My brother Martin and I leave for the UK this weekend to take her home.”

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