Vigils in Auckland and Wellington will be held in the coming days to honour the life of British backpacker Grace Millane, after her body was found in the Waitakere Ranges on Sunday.
White Ribbon Campaign Manager Rob McCann told Newshub it was "a natural thing" for people to want to express their grief for the 22-year-old who was killed while on her OE.
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The organisation against men's violence towards women will host Wednesday's event from 6-7pm in St Patricks Square in Auckland CBD.
"We were approached by members of the community who wanted to recognise the life of Grace," Mr McCann said.
He explained that it is also a chance for Kiwis to show they are "totally opposed" to violence in our country.
New Zealand has the highest rate of reported violence toward women in the developed world, he said. Forty-one percent of a frontline officer's time is spent dealing with family violence.
"Not only is it an opportunity to remember and honour Grace, but it sends a message we're going to do something about this.
"Grace's case is slightly different because people got to know her before hearing the terrible news, people see that it could've been their daughter or someone they know and feel connected to Grace."
Wellington's Civic Square will also hold a celebration of Grace Millane's life on December 12 from 5:30pm.
"Wellingtonians will gather in solidarity with an Auckland event at the same time, to express grief at the murder of Grace Millane and send her family a message of love in this unbearable time," the page read.
Queenstown residents are invited to attend a gathering at The Bathhouse from 7pm on Monday night.
Another vigil will take place in Auckland at 12pm on Saturday, December 15 on Queen St.
SkyCity will be lighting up the Sky Tower in white from Monday night through to Wednesday night as a symbol of support and love to Grace's family, as well as those who have lost loved ones to violence.
The base of the Sky Tower will go dark while the top will be lit to depict a white ribbon, supporting White Ribbon Awareness.
Newshub.
