Tears shed as community mourns Onehunga girl

The quiet street of Moana Ave was in mourning tonight, with about 50 friends and neighbours at a candlelight vigil for Maggie Watson.

The 4-year-old died in unexplained circumstances and was found inside the home she lived in with her mother, Evelyn Sen, early on Friday morning.

Maggie Watson. Photo / Supplied

Members of Maggie's church led the group in prayer and song, some shedding tears as they shared their own stories of her.

Alosina Amosa and her mother Fialelei, who live next door, said they had spent time with both Maggie and her mother and were finding it tough.

Alosina, 12, said she missed Maggie very much. "We always played together."

Family friend and neighbour Des Gilmore, who organised the memorial, said neighbours and close friends were still reeling from the "tragic loss".

"... it has really shaken up the community in a few ways."

Ms Sen was not present. She has been in the care of Auckland District Health Board.
Mr Gilmore said the vigil was for Maggie and her family.

"It's basically just in honour of her and in honour of her grandparents and obviously her mother - not with us at the moment. Unfortunately she couldn't be here and her grandparents obviously couldn't be here, so they've just asked us to put on something in remembrance of her for this evening."

Friends of four year old Maggie Watson gathered outside her Moana Road, Onehunga home where she was found death last Friday. Photo / Greg Bowker

Mr Gilmore's wife, Kim, read out a message from Maggie's grandparents and extended family in Malaysia, sharing their short-lived memories of her.

"Our dearest Maggie, we only met you for two and a half months that you spent with us in Malaysia," the message started.

"And during that time, grandma, grandpa and uncle Ernie fell in love with you. Yes we loved you so deeply and words cannot fully describe how much you touched our hearts ... "