British backpacker Grace Millane's body was found in West Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. Photo / Supplied
British backpacker Grace Millane's body was found in West Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. Photo / Supplied
Hundreds of people swarmed to Auckland's Aotea Square at noon today to remember British tourist Grace Millane with a walk of peace and a minute of silence.
Nearly a week since the 22-year-old's body was found in bush on the side of Scenic Dr in the Waitakere Ranges, the New Zealand public are still grieving.
Bagpipes were played by 13-year-old Britta Keer-Keer leading the peace walk down Queen St, followed by hundreds of tourists and New Zealanders mourning the tragic loss of Grace.
Amongst the hustle and bustle, the silent group holding photos of the young tourist stops passersby in their tracks.
Children, mothers with babies, fathers holding the hands of their daughters and elderly were amongst the crowd.
A memorial outside City Life on Queen Str in remembrance of Grace Millane. Photo / Dean Purcell
UK expats Louise Gordon, 34, and Kristina Popat, 33, resonated with the tragedy as they had recently arrived in New Zealand and were staying at the same backpackers that Millane had.
"I'm tearing up just thinking about it; it's just so so awful," Gordon said.
She was shocked by Millane's death as her own experience had be nothing but positive.
"It's just really hard to believe something like this has happened and I hope it doesn't deter people from coming here," Popat said.
Once in Aotea Square, the crowd doubled in size as people joined in a signal of support.
A banner with a photo of Millane and the words "imagine all the people living for today" was held on stage.
Hundreds march up Queen St in remembrance of Grace Millane. Photo / Dean Purcell
Mother-of-four Vanessa Higgins spoke to the crowd thanking them for coming to honour the life of a "vibrant beautiful young woman who should have been going home to tell her friends and family what an amazing country New Zealand is".
"Instead, her father and uncle have to take her body home," Higgins said while holding back tears.
She said unfortunately Millane met a bad and dangerous man and she was not the only one.
"Nineteen women have had their lives taken as a result of domestic violence incidents this year. This is 19 too many and this needs to change now.
"We should not forget that men are also victims of domestic violence and today we acknowledge them, too," Higgins said.
Dozens could be seen shedding a tear while listening to the song Imagine by John Lennon.
Hundreds turn out to march up Queen Street in remembrance of Grace Millane. Photo / Dean Purcell
The gathering ended with flowers, white balloons, photos and candles left at the bottom of the stage for Millane.
Other vigils and walks have been organised around the country this week in Rotorua, Wellington, New Plymouth, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Mount Maunganui.
Tonight at 8pm public will gather by the Mount Maunganui Surf Club with candles.
The 26-year-old man arrested and charged with Millane's murder appeared in court on Monday.
Millane, of Essex, recently graduated from university and came to New Zealand as part of a year-long solo OE.
She arrived in Auckland just days before she was killed.
