Grace Millane: New Zealand pays tribute as thousands attend vigils for killed backpacker

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Bonnie Christian12 December 2018

Thousands of New Zealanders have gathered at vigils across the country to mourn the death of murdered 22-year-old backpacker Grace Millane.

Ms Millane’s father, David, joined 1000 people who gathered outside Auckland’s St Patrick’s Cathedral Square to honour his daughter and the lives of other women in New Zealand who have died because of violence.

The event, organised by White Ribbon, was addressed by mayor Phil Goff and journalist Alison Mau.

A moment of silence was held as Ms Mau who read out the names of the women who have been murdered in New Zealand in 2018.

Mr Goff called for negative attitudes towards women to change and denounced victim-blaming statements.

"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."

Musician Lizzie Marvelly paid tribute at the vigil by singing Amazing Grace.

Further south in Wellington, more than 1000 people gathered at an evening vigil, which was addressed by mayor Justin Lester.

Hundreds attended other vigils held in Nelson, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Whangarei and Dunedin, with more planned over the weekend.

Others who could not attend posted pictures online of candles lit in memory of Ms Millane.

Across the world, a many paid a digital tribute by posting images to social media of skylines, sunsets and sunrises alongside the hashtag #yourlightourlove.

On Friday, Ms Millane’s father and uncle took part in a private traditional blessing overseen by a kaumātua (Māori elder) at the site where her body was found in the Waitākere Ranges.

The blessing is part of a local grieving process to allow loved ones to begin making peace with Ms Millane’s death.

Mr Millane was photographed sharing a hongi (nose press) with a local uniformed police officer.

He described the blessing as a “privilege” and said it was “a lovely and peaceful experience.”

In a statement, he thanked the New Zealand people for their “outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion.”

"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."

"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."

“We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world.”

Mr Millane will be taking his daughter’s body home in the coming days.

The young backpacker from Wickford was last seen in Auckland on December 1 in the company of a 26-year-old man. She was found dead in bushland west of the city a week later.

The man, who cannot be identified, has been charged with her murder. He is being held on remand and is scheduled to appear in the high court in January.

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