British backpacker Grace Millane will “forever be a Kiwi”, her father says, as he thanks New Zealand for “taking her into your hearts” following her death.
As David Millane prepares to make the long journey home with the body of his slain daughter Grace Millane, he has thanked the “heroic” police and the people of New Zealand for the “outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion” in the wake of the young tourist’s murder.
The grieving father attended a Māori blessing ceremony close to where his daughter’s body was found, The Guardian reports. At the ceremony he made an impassioned statement:
“From that very first moment we have been astounded by the level of concern, sympathy and selfless help from every person we have met,” Millane said in a statement.
“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.”
“We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world.”
Grace Millane, 22, from Essex, in the United Kingdom, vanished at the start of the month from Auckland, sparking a huge police investigation which culminated in her body being discovered in the Waitakere Ranges.
Millane’s murder has shaken New Zealanders, with grief experts saying many people are experiencing “vicarious trauma” about the murder in the usually safe country.
