Family of Whangarei shooting victims thank injured victim and police

The family of Wendy Campbell-Rodgers and her daughter Natanya Campbell have thanked injured contractor Jeff Pipe for his bravery at last week's tragic shooting.

It is the first time the family have spoken publicly since the women were shot dead at Mt Tiger Rd in Whangarei last Wednesday.

Property managers Campbell-Rodgers and Campbell were visiting the Mt Tiger home of Quinn Patterson, when they were killed. He also shot and injured contractor Jeff Pipe, who escaped.

"[Thank you] to Jeff Pipe for his bravery," the family said.

Wendy Campbell-Rodgers and her husband Tony Rodgers.

Patterson died after a shoot-out with police in his home, which then burned to the ground. The cause of the fire is still being determined.

Whangarei and Auckland-based police risked their lives trying to save Campbell-Rodgers and Campbell, and apprehend Patterson.

Campbell-Rodgers' husband Tony today issued a public thank you on behalf of his family, on the eve of Wendy's funeral service in Whangarei.

Campbell will be buried in Mitimiti, in the Hokianga, after her tangi.

The family statement said: "Wendy's husband Tony Rodgers, his daughter and fiance Karla and Phil, and his sister and brother-in-law Bev and Ash, would like to say an enormous 'thank you' to the police who have risked their lives on that tragic day.

"[Thank you] to Geoff Pipe for his bravery. To her mother Gail and family, and to Natanya's whanau for their wonderful graciousness and love.

"To the Elim church for kindly providing for Wendy's funeral.

"Biggest thank you to Tony and Wendy's church family at Hebron Christian Fellowship who have given him so much love and support in every way possible.

"We don't know how we could get through this without our faith, family and precious friends.

"Thank you."