Murder grief continues

Hinekawa Topia-McGregor and her siblings.

The family of Hinekawa Topia-McGregor say they think about how they can tell her siblings what happened to her.

In a statement released after the court case which saw her father sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder, the family said "we take each day as it comes and stay strong for our children because we love them".

"Even though we no longer have Hinekawa with us, we love her just the same, and we think about how we are going to tell her siblings what happened to her," the statement said.

"We know they will have questions when they are older and much like we do now; we will try to answer them."

The family added: "The life of our Hinekawa has been taken away and this will continue to affect us for the rest of our lives.

"Every time we look at the girls we are reminded that we have one living with the angels in heaven."

Detective Sergeant Glenn Toy of the Wanganui CIB said McGregor's sentencing yesterday signalled the end of the police investigation into Hinekawa's death.

"This has been a very emotionally taxing journey for the family of Hinekawa, especially her mother.

"While the sentencing provides some form of closure, her family continues to grieve her loss."

Mr Toy said police encouraged families and community members that if they have any concerns about suspected child abuse to report it to police or Child, Youth and Family.

"One person can make a real difference when they speak up and police will complete a thorough investigation into any reports of child abuse."