The family of Lena Zhang Harrap has asked Police to issue the below statement to media on their behalf:
With the outpouring we have received, we are eternally grateful.
We acknowledge that people want to express their grief and love for Lena and our family.
Lena received great joy, friendship, acceptance and belonging through two amazing charitable organisations; those being Heart Kids and StarJam.
As such we would ask you to direct your aroha through supporting these two charities, so others may continue to benefit.
Heart Kids: heartkids.org.nz
StarJam: www.starjam.org
ENDS
Please note: the family continue to ask for privacy as they grieve and have requested that media does not contact them.