The community of New Zealand are being asked not to donate any more gifts for the five-year-old girl assaulted at Turangi.
Waikato Hospital and Hamilton Police have been inundated with gifts and toys. Staff and the family are incredibly appreciative of the generosity but there is not the capacity to take any more. The family will only be able to take so much back to Europe and the surplus will help put smiles on the faces of a lot of sick children.
The family are reading all of the cards and messages being sent through the news@waikatodhb.health.nz email address and these messages are being a huge support.
Anyone wanting to show their support in another way can still donate to the Trust fund which has been set up with two independent trustees. The money will be used to provide ongoing support to the little girl who has a long road ahead of her. The Trust Fund is at Westpac Bank, account number 03-1555-0150947-00 under the name “Operation Turangi”.
Turangi resident Vicki Ham has organised a collection in the town with the buckets placed at approximately 20 businesses.
"I heard on the news what had happened and wondered what I could do to help. I thought this would be a nice way for our community to give something back to the family," said Vicki.
"We're absolutely devastated that something like this could happen in Turangi. We can't make it right so this is our way of showing that the community of Turangi do care."
The collection is expected to raise at least $2,500.
The Police investigation is continuing and it anticipated that the scene examination will be complete by lunchtime today. The ute and caravan will be removed from the scene.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper said: "The investigation remains a priority for us with everything possible being done; the family can be assured that no stone will be left unturned. We are receiving good support and cooperation from the community and have a number of persons of interest but we are still very keen to hear from anyone else who hasn't yet made contact and has information that might assist us."
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on 07 378 6060. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.