Agony of Kahu's birth father

By JO-MARIE BROWN

Baby Kahu's biological father says the support of New Zealanders is helping the family to cope.

"I would like to express ... our heartfelt thanks for all the wishes and support, spoken and unspoken," the brother-in-law of Donna Hall told the Herald yesterday. "That's what's keeping us strong."

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was the biological father of the child, who was given to his wife's sister and her husband, Justice Eddie Durie, after they lost a child to spina bifida.

He said immediate family members travelled from Rotorua to Lower Hutt as soon as they heard of 8-month-old Kahu's kidnapping.

While it was a "strenuous" time, the family were coping as best they could.

One of Kahu's two godfathers, Tai Eru, said yesterday that the extended family were devastated but were trying to stay positive.

"It doesn't look bright really but ... we're just hoping and praying that the baby hasn't been traumatised in any way."

Mr Eru, who is Donna Hall's cousin, said family members were shocked and angry that an innocent child had been snatched but realised that anger would not help.

He did not believe a Maori would have kidnapped Kahu as Maori treated babies and women "quite sacredly".

However, he was sure the crime would be weighing heavily on the conscience of the unknown gunman.

"That chap, wherever he is, I guess would be beside himself. For whatever reasons he did this, it's hard to comprehend.

"We hope that justice will prevail."

Mr Eru said Kahu had an extremely large family who loved her dearly.

"She's a bonny wee thing. She's got that sparkle in her eye," he recalled yesterday.

"Her upbringing, and I hope her continued upbringing, will be quite special."

He said many members of Donna Hall and Justice Durie's family had travelled from around the country to Lower Hutt to offer support and were rallying together to cope.

"You not only have to worry about the baby itself but you have to worry about the others that are very close and dear to her," Mr Eru said. "Words fail to express how devastated we are."

Flier distributed by police

Description of suspect

Picture: Kahurautete Durie

Picture: Kahurautete's clothing

Picture: the car being sought by police

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