In the wake of Grace Millane's death, thousands of New Zealanders across the country gathered at vigils to remember her.
Thousands gathered at vigils across the country to pay tribute to Grace Millane and other victims of violence. Photo: RNZ
The British backpacker went missing on the eve of her 22nd birthday on 1 December and was last seen going into CityLife Hotel with a man.
A body was discovered last Sunday, in an area of bush just 10m off the road, in Auckland's Waitākere Ranges.
A 26-year-old man was charged with murder and appeared in Auckland District Court on Monday. He has interim name suppression.
In Auckland, about 1000 people gathered outside St Patrick's Cathedral Square at 6pm and at Federal Street an hour later to honour Ms Millane and the lives of New Zealand women who died because of violence.
The vigil in central Auckland is about to begin #GraceMillane @rnz_news pic.twitter.com/TLHgRi4tTM
— Katie Scotcher (@katiescotcher) December 12, 2018
The event in Auckland, organised by White Ribbon, was addressed by Mayor Phil Goff and journalist Alison Mau.
Ms Mau asked for a moment of silence as she read out the names of the women who have been murdered in New Zealand this year.
Mr Goff told the crowd that he did not want to hear any victim-blaming statements and negative attitudes towards women instead should be changing.
"We have to change our culture. We have to change our behaviour. It's not for women to have to make themselves safe... She didn't need to change," he said.
"So is there any better way to honour Grace's memory than to commit ourselves to changing our culture to bringing to an end that violence against family members.
"Tonight we remember Grace and we send our sympathy and our sense of our loss and tragedy to her family. May she rest in peace."
David Millane, Grace's father, was also seen in the Auckland crowd.
White Ribbon ambassadors Anna Campbell and Mark Longley, whose daughter Emily was murdered in England by her boyfriend in 2011, were also in attendance.
Those at the gathering lit their candles and became emotional, with some crying, as Lizzie Marvelly sang Amazing Grace in memory of Ms Millane.
Amazing turn out at the vigil in Auckland, NZ for Grace Millane and for every other woman that has been killed at the hands of a man #GraceMillane pic.twitter.com/UbLHDnDIvw
— Paige Areta (@paigeareta) December 12, 2018
#GraceMillane pic.twitter.com/2g03o1jN2k
— Will Matthews (@WillAMatthews) December 12, 2018
Auckland now #GraceMillane this should not have happened. Be at peace. pic.twitter.com/junJHloIpS
— Cheska (@CheskaNZ) December 12, 2018
Flowers and candles were left for Grace Millane after the vigil in central Auckland this evening. pic.twitter.com/x97N7Um67g
— Katie Scotcher (@katiescotcher) December 12, 2018
Moving memorial of remembrance on Stockade Hill, Howick this evening, with lots of people showing up to remember Grace Millane and all those we’ve lost. An opportunity to come together as a community to grieve and remember. pic.twitter.com/OnL0KiJdG6
— Damian Light (@damianlight) December 12, 2018
In Wellington, more than 1000 people also gathered at Civc Square Park with Mayor Justin Lester speaking to the crowd.
#GraceMillane pic.twitter.com/6uHEkJtFo9
— Emma Hatton (@emma_hatt) December 12, 2018
Hundreds gather for the vigil in Wellington this evening #GraceMillane pic.twitter.com/RlkF5wy9pV
— Emma Hatton (@emma_hatt) December 12, 2018
Other vigils have also been held in Nelson, with about 300 people attending, and in Hamilton, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Whangarei and Dunedin.
Candlelight vigil for #GraceMillane in Palmy this evening. Tears, anger, shock, sympathy for the family and all affected by violence ❤ #HerLightOurLove pic.twitter.com/XXWv8kNAwP
— Lorna Johnson (@lornaajohnson) December 12, 2018
About 300 people have turned out in Nelson for the vigil to mark the life of Grace Millane and New Zealand victims of violence. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Those who couldn't attend any of the vigils also posted online pictures of candles lit up at their home in memory of Ms Millane.
#forallthewomen #ForTheChildren #GraceMillane
— rae-diance massage RaewynKrivan (@mountmaunganui1) December 12, 2018
RIP to all the beautiful souls that are no longer with us from violent tragic deaths.
Our sorrow for your needless deaths travels with your souls to beyond this world. Kiakaha you are forever shining a light on us to be better pic.twitter.com/c5fAsFB3EE
Meanwhile, those in Tauranga have been invited to attend a vigil being held on Friday, 7pm on the Tauranga Waterfront and Saturday at 8pm near the Mt Maunganui Surf Club.
A vigil was also held in Queenstown yesterday with about 100 people turning out for the first candlelit vigil to remember Ms Millane.
Earlier today, Ms Millane's father and her uncle held a private blessing at the site where her body was found at Waitākere Ranges.
Police say they organised the blessing, which was done with a local kaumātua.
"Martin and I had the privilege of attending the traditional Māori blessing of the site which was a lovely and peaceful experience," David Millane said.
The Millane family have also released a statement ahead of the vigils, expressing their gratitude over the support provided by professionals and locals as well as their despair over the tragedy.
"After the disappearance of Grace on 1st December 2018 our whole world turned upside down," Mr Millane said.
"From that very first moment we have been astounded by the level of concern, sympathy and selfless help from every person we have met."
He also thanked all those who sent in messages of love and support.
"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."
Mr Millane said he and his brother will leave for the UK this weekend and take Ms Millane's body home with them.
