Mourners farewell murdered Christchurch mother

Vanessa Pickering was farewelled by hundreds of mourners at Christchurch Cathedral today. Photo / Supplied

Hundreds gathered at Christchurch Cathedral today to remember slain mother Vanessa Pickering.

The mourners filled the cathedral in central Christchurch, which was lit up with pink and purple lights - Ms Pickering's favourite colours.

Reverend Lynda Patterson, who led the service, said the gathering was to remember Ms Pickering but also to express grief and anger.

"No one should ever have to die like this. No one," she said.

Ms Pickering was remembered as a loving mother, a hard case, an animal lover, a free spirit and a "bit of a gypsy".

Reverend Patterson said Ms Pickering would be remembered for her "magic" bacon and egg pie and for "doing the work of two or more fellas on the farm".

Ms Pickering was remembered in a speech read on behalf of her mother Rachel as a loyal and honest worker who "stuck up for herself and took no crap".

"Whatever happens, this I know: there will always be love and support as you still live on through my beautiful granddaughter.

"It's so tragic and it rips at my heart knowing we are now so far apart."

Mourners heard how Ms Pickering met her partner Kaade on an army course in 2001 and both were later kicked off the course for fraternising in the back of an army truck.

They later had a daughter together, who Ms Pickering delivered on her own on a farm in rural Canterbury.

Images of Ms Pickering from throughout her life were displayed on large screens as the song Forever Young played.

Her casket was carried from the cathedral to the strains of a haka while her daughter released a white dove and family members released pink and purple balloons.

Malcolm George Chaston, 40, appeared in Christchurch District Court this morning and was charged with Ms Pickering's murder. He was remanded in custody until February 23.