Tauranga vigil for Grace Millane 'full of love and kindness'

A vigil for slain British backpacker Grace Millane was held at Mount Maunnganui on Saturday night. Photo / Gemma Main

Two community vigils held in Tauranga to pay tribute to slain English backpacker Grace Millane were attended by about 360 people.

Millane had been in New Zealand for one week as part of her year-long OE and was last seen alive on December 1. Her body was found in the Waitakere Ranges on December 9.

About 60 people gathered at the first vigil at Tauranga's waterfront on Friday night.

Another 300 attended the second vigil, organised by Gemma Main and Vivienne Bond, held near Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday night.

Main said it was an "extremely spiritual" experience.

"It was full of love and kindness and there were lots of hugs shared as we can all relate to what has happened to Grace and the other women killed in similar circumstances".

Main said the vigil was not only to show support to Millane's family but to remind people that "violence of any form is not okay" and must not be tolerated.

"The community needs to stand up against violence and speak out to help people when they see it happening and/or call the police," she said.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with Millane's murder.