Slain German tourist's parents to visit NZ

The parents of a German tourist found slain near New Plymouth are planning to visit New Zealand.

Birgit Brauer's elderly parents, from Dresden, will come here after accepting an invitation from Rotary New Zealand.

Stratford Rotarians initiated the visit, suggesting the couple may be consoled by visiting the country their daughter was enjoying so much before her death.

The 28-year-old tourist's body was found battered and stabbed at Lucys Gully in Oakura, near New Plymouth on September 20.

Michael Scott Wallace is facing a charge of murdering Ms Brauer and is due to reappear in New Plymouth District Court next week.

Ms Brauer's parents were too devastated to travel to New Zealand at the time to collect their daughter's body.

However, they will travel to New Zealand in April next year for two weeks as guests of Rotary District 9940, which is funding their trip.

District governor Rodney Wong said Ms Brauer's story touched the hearts of all New Zealanders.

"I think New Zealanders also feel outraged and betrayed. We pride ourselves on our welcoming nature and yet this happens. It has affected most particularly the community of Taranaki, but also wider New Zealand."

Rotarian Tom Bredow hoped Air New Zealand might come to the party and provide airfares for the couple.

The head of the murder investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward of New Plymouth CIB, said police would offer any assistance possible to help the couple during their stay.

- NZPA