Sky Tower lit white to mark Grace Millane tragedy, support all who've lost loved ones to violence

December 10, 2018

The British backpacker's body was found in bush near Auckland and a man has been charged with her murder.

Auckland's Sky Tower has been lit white tonight to acknowledge the impact of the death of British backpacker Grace Millane and to show support for all who've lost loved ones to violence.

A 26-year-old man charged with the murder of the 22-year-old English woman appeared in the Auckland District Court today where he was given name suppression.

Ms Millane's body was found by police in west Auckland bushland yesterday after she went missing in the city on Saturday December 1, the day before her 22nd birthday.

Auckland's Sky City casino said today it would be lighting the Sky Tower white "as a symbol of support and love" from tonight through to Wednesday night. 

"In light of the recent tragedy and in acknowledgment of the impact the death of Grace Millane has had on so many, we are taking a moment tonight to acknowledge all those who have lost loved ones to violence," the venue posted on Facebook.

Sky City linked it's post to the White Ribbon organisation which campaigns to end violence towards women.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was one of those to express sorrow at the 22-year-old’s death.

Candlelight vigils are being planned around the country to honour Grace Millane, including one supported by White Ribbon at 6pm on Wednesday in Auckland's St Patrick's Square.

"Our thoughts go out to the Millane family whose grief will be unimaginable," Rob McCann, White Ribbon manager, said in announcing the vigil.

"So many New Zealanders have been horrified as this story has unfolded. This is a time to stand together, share that pain and show our compassion for Grace and her family."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern held back tears this afternoon as she apologised on behalf of New Zealand during her weekly news conference.

"I cannot image the grief of her family," Ms Ardern said.

"From the Kiwis I have spoken to there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality, on our manaakitanga, especially to those who are visiting our shores," she said, using the Māori word for hospitality.

"On behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family. Your daughter should have been safe here and she wasn't and I'm sorry for that."

The government had offered its support to the Millane family, Ms Ardern said.

"I cannot imagine the grief of her family and what they will be experiencing."

The search for the 22-year-old and her death have touched many.

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