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Man charged with murder, violation of woman in park

Auckland reporters

The man charged with the sexual violation and murder of Lena Zhang Harrap, who was found dead in a central Auckland suburb, has been granted interim name suppression.

The Mt Albert community has been in shock after police began a homicide investigation into the death of the 27-year-old.

Zhang’s body was discovered about 4.30pm on Wednesday in an area of bush off a walkway on O¯ wairaka/Mt Albert, where she would often walk.

The 31-year-old man, who was arrested yesterday, appeared via a video link from prison in the Auckland District Court yesterday.

Police said they found the man in a vehicle in Papatoetoe, south Auckland, about 1.30am.

His lawyer Jonathan Hudson asked Judge Peter Winter for his client to be remanded without plea and for interim name suppression to protect fair trial rights.

Hudson said he was not yet aware of the evidence, and identification could be an issue.

Judge Winter remanded the man in custody to appear at the High Court in Auckland next month.

Following the arrest, police appealed for anyone who may have seen a white Hyundai station wagon, registration EGZ962, any time from Wednesday to come forward.

Police said they were not currently seeking anyone else in relation to the incident, but their inquiries remain ongoing.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said police hoped news of the arrest would provide some reassurance to the Mt Albert community.

‘‘This was a sickening and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community, which we know disturbed and angered a lot of people,’’ he said.

‘‘While nothing will bring Lena back to her family, we hope today’s arrest provides a degree of comfort and reassurance knowing the person allegedly responsible for her brutal murder is in custody where he belongs.’’

Residents were devastated at the news of Zhang’s death. Many had taken part in a suburb-wide search for the woman, who

had Down syndrome and was visually impaired.

Floral tributes have been laid at the top of Summit Rd at O¯ wairaka Domain.

Mt Albert resident Aysha Blanchard said while the suburb wasn’t a stranger to crimes, she had never seen anything happen like this.

‘‘It’s very clear that [Zhang] was a prominent and well-known member of our community,’’ Blanchard said. ‘‘It feels like the community is in shock and grieving. People walk in and around Mt Albert all the time including my family – and on some of those walks people are on their own, so there is an unsafe feeling now as well.’’

Another resident, Debbie Wolf, agreed there was a concern for safety after news of the death.

‘‘My children feel a little anxious now also,’’ Wolf said. ‘‘We’re all shocked to be honest as we as a family, or sometimes I go alone up that mountain and have always felt safe. For something like this [to happen] so close to home is hard to believe.’’

Those who knew Zhang have already expressed their sadness at the news of her death. Colin Dale, principal of Gladstone Primary in Mt Albert where Zhang was a former student, said she had been a ‘‘delightful child’’.

Zhang was popular at StarJam – a New Zealand dance studio for people with disabilities – where she had been a member for 12 years.

‘‘[Zhang greeted] everyone with her infectious smile, genuine heartfelt support and inviting her fellow Jammers up to join her Spot the Talents,’’ a statement on StarJam’s Facebook page read. ‘‘She was popular and highly respected.’’

The incident has unified locals and authorities. Albert-Eden Local Board chair Lee Corrick said: ‘‘Lena was well known and special to many residents.

‘‘I am sure the local community will respond well to the police investigation. Our thoughts are with Lena’s family and friends at this difficult time.’’

The UpsideDowns and Auckland Down Syndrome association have joined together with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association to express their condolences to Zhang’s family.

‘‘The New Zealand Down syndrome community is shocked by the heartbreaking news of Lena Harrap’s death,’’ a statement from the trusts read.

‘‘The NZDSA, ADSA and UpsideDowns are liaising to see how we can most effectively support the Harrap family and honour Lena’s life, but most importantly how we can do so whilst respecting their request for privacy.’’

The Tu¯ puna Maunga Authority said on Thursday that it would work with Auckland Council to host karakia for Zhang and her family.

‘‘The Tu¯ puna Maunga Authority wishes to express its deepest sympathies to Lena Harrap’s wha¯ nau at this very sad time.’’

Family thank public for their love and support

The family of Lena Zhang Harrap has expressed gratitude for the love and outpouring they’ve received from the public.

‘‘We acknowledge that people want to express their grief and love for Lena and our family,’’ the family said in a statement. ‘‘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.’’

The acting CEO of Heart Kids, Dr Ruth Gorinski, said the organisation had been ‘‘shocked’’ by the news of Harrap’s death.

’’Lena and her wha¯ nau are much loved members of our Heart Kids community, and in particular the Auckland branch of Heart Kids.

‘‘We feel privileged to have enjoyed Lena’s bubbly presence at so many of our Heart Kids events, camps, and coffee groups.’’

Harrap exuded genuine warmth and kindness, Gorinski said, and she made friends from all walks of life. ‘‘She was a true ray of sunshine and will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to Lena’s family and friends as they navigate this incredibly difficult time, and our many staff and members who knew and loved Lena.’’

Heart Kids was extremely grateful to the Harrap family for wanting to give back to the organisation.

National News

en-nz

2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281556588973655

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