Big turnouts expected at memorial services

As police continue to hunt for the killer of Scottish tourist Karen Aim, the people of Taupo will gather today at a memorial service for the young woman on the same day she is laid to rest in the Orkney Islands.

Ms Aim, 26, was found in a pool of blood on a street corner near Taupo Nui-a-Tia College by police investigating vandalism at the school in the early hours of January 17.

They have not ruled out the two incidents being linked.

Ms Aim's body has been flown back to Britain and her funeral will be held on her home island of Orkney.

The memorial service in Taupo was designed to coincide with the funeral in the Orkney Islands, Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper said.

He said a big turnout was expected, including relatives and friends of Ms Aim and many local people.

"Karen had a very, very big base of friends here in Taupo, mostly backpackers and young people on working holidays here in the tourist industry," he said. "Karen had relatives here in New Zealand - her auntie and some distant cousins, I'm told approximately 10 or 12 of them will be here, and I think there will be a big showing of decent, caring Taupo people who just want to show their respects to the friends and family of Karen."

Mr Cooper, Taupo councillors and staff would also attend, as well as those involved in the investigation into Ms Aim's death.

"A lot of police people have been affected by this, they are human beings too so I think there will be a big turnout definitely."

The service will be held at St Paul's Union Presbyterian Church on the corner of Tamamutu St and Rifle Range Rd. The official service would begin at 5.30pm but a film that had been sent out by Ms Aim's parents celebrating her life would screen from 5pm, Mr Cooper said.

Ms Aim's father Brian said he was "greatly comforted" that his daughter was back in Scotland.

Her friend Alan Robertson, who is originally from Orkney but now lives in Taupo, accompanied her body on the flight.

This was made possible after the Taupo community raised funds to enable him to travel with her.

Meanwhile, police investigating the killing have repeated appeals for any information.

- NZPA