Vigil for grieving mum

Tara Maniapoto with daughter Alexus Knott, 3, at Paraparaumu Beach, where a community vigil will take place this Friday evening for two silblings who died in Perth. Photo: Cloe Willetts.

A close friend of an ex-Kapiti woman whose children tragically died in Perth has organised a community vigil as a sign of support.

Tara Maniapoto, a Paraparaumu mother, has organised a balloon vigil to take place from 5pm this Friday evening, meeting at the Maclean Park carpark, Paraparaumu Beach.

The event, which will be recorded for ex-Paraparaumu College and KenaKena School student Anatoria Headland (Takiwa), the children's mother, will honour siblings Zaraiyah Lily Headland, 5, and Andreas Headland, 2.

The pair was found dead in their Yanchep, Perth, home on Thursday, October 20 and their father critically injured, while their mother, a FIFO worker, was away for work.

According to Nine News Perth, the pair's father, 35, was under police guard at Royal Perth Hospital with a self-inflicted injury.

The event had been tremendously overwhelming for the siblings' mother, friends said.

The Australian born siblings were described by family as "gentle, loving children with the biggest smiles and beautiful, sometimes shy personalities".

"Since Anatoria currently resides in Perth, her family has flown over to support her through this awful time," Miss Maniapoto said.

"As much as I and others would love to go and show our love, we aren't able to.

"Instead, we have organised a get-together for friends, family and the community so Anatoria can see that all of us back home love her and care."

Miss Maniapoto said the event was important for family who would not be able to farewell the siblings in Perth.

"Make some signs, bring the kids to play at the park and then join us close to the water on Paraparaumu Beach to let off balloons.

"Anyone is welcome and we hope people will spread the word."

¦A GoFundMe account has been set up for Zaraiyah and Andreas' family here.