"Coral’s family have been inundated and incredibly humbled by the messages of support and sympathy from the public.
"During this devastating time we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from all over New Zealand. That support has taken many forms - from the supply of equipment through to the time people have given up to help with the search for Coral, and to the prayers people have offered for her safe return.
"We tried our hardest to get our daughter back and never gave up hope that we would have her back safe and well.
"The news that we received early on Friday morning was the most devastating words a parent could ever hear but we are extremely grateful that we have her back in our arms and have time with her to say goodbye.
"The kindness and support of many throughout New Zealand have restored our faith in mankind.
"We are proud of our daughter for the way that she brought a nation together - people from all walks of life, races and beliefs.
"We will continue to wear our white ribbons for Coral until we say goodbye to her. Coral’s ribbons will represent the innocence of all children. It is our greatest hope that from this tragedy will come something positive.
"We pray that we are the last family that is put through this ordeal and that our Mickey Moo (Coral’s nickname from her mum and dad) is the last child in our beautiful country to be taken from a family as a result of violence.
"We would like to remember our daughter for the way that she lived her life, and not the way her life was taken.
"This is a personal thank you to all of the organisations and people who helped us get our baby back, and to all the well wishers, especially the children, who wrote us letters for Coral.
"You will be forever in our hearts."
Ron Burrows and Jeanna Cremen and families