Kahu on road for weekend of cuddles

Baby Kahu was bundled into her parents' car and taken to Rotorua last night to escape the drama of yesterday's developments in court.

Donna Hall and Justice Eddie Durie wanted to "put it all behind us" and show worried relatives that 8-month-old Kahu had survived the kidnapping ordeal unscathed.

"They are keen to see her ... It gave everyone a terrible fright," Donna Hall said last night.

"Everyone is anxious to see for themselves that she is right and remains the chuckling and chubby little baby that they know.

"And just to feel confident that all is well that ends well."

Donna Hall said the weekend would be spent with her elderly mother, fishing with her brother at Lake Rotoiti and attending a church service at Whakarewarewa, where villagers prayed for Kahu's safe return.

She said Kahu had been very loved this week, spending time with her birth mother, Anaha Morehu, as well.

"She's settling in. She's lucky she's 8 months old, so this experience will be promptly put behind her," said Donna Hall.

Kahu, sporting a new second top tooth, was eating very well and particularly enjoying her vegetables.

It was a relief for the family that the kidnapper, Terence Traynor, had pleaded guilty quickly, so Donna Hall's nieces who witnessed the crime would not have to give evidence and could focus on school.

National MP Georgina te Heuheu, Kahu's godmother, said the family were very grateful to the police.

Asked if they were surprised by the amount of planning Traynor put into the kidnapping, Mrs te Heuheu said: "Yes, it's pretty scary.

"Thank goodness it had a great outcome.

"Now we have to make sure nothing like this ever happens in our gorgeous country again."

Full coverage: Baby Kahu kidnapping


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