The father and family of British tourist Grace Millane have released a statement today thanking police and the New Zealand public for their support as they await the trial of the man accused of her murder.
Full statement:
Grace went off to travel the world in mid-October and arrived in New Zealand on the 20th November.
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 1st December 2018 our whole world turned upside down.
I arrived in Auckland on Friday 7th December, followed by my brother Martin on Saturday 8th.
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 over 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.
Martin and I had the privilege of attending the traditional Maori blessing of the site which was a lovely and peaceful experience.
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.
Statement ends.
Police say they are continuing to piece together exactly what happened to Grace, a tourist from England who was visiting New Zealand.
Grace's body was found in a bush area on Scenic Drive, in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges, following an extensive search on Sunday after she was last seen on December 1.
A 26-year-old man charged with the murder of the 22-year-old appeared in the Auckland District Court on Monday where he was given interim name suppression.
Vigils for Grace will take place in cities around the country tonight at the following locations:
Auckland, Wednesday 12th, 6pm, St Patrick's Cathedral Square
Auckland, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Federal Street.
Hamilton, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Memorial Park (pending confirmation)
New Plymouth, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Puki Ariki Landing.
Wellington, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Civic Square.
Nelson, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, 1903 Square.
Christchurch, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Cathedral Square.
Dunedin, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Lower Octagon.
Blenheim, Wednesday 12th, 7pm, Taylor River Amphitheatre.
Rotorua, Wednesday Tutanekai and Hinemoa Sts, 7pm
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