Memorial service for shooting victim

MARTIN DE RUYTER/Nelson Mail

STILL GRIEVING: Archdeacon Harvey Whakaruru conducts the memorial service for shooting victim Troy Minto (pictured on tree) at the site of his death in Branford Park. In the background holding the baby is Mr Minto's partner Elisha Maunder holding their daughter Faith Jane.

Around 100 friends and family of Troy Minto, the 22 year-old Nelson man shot dead in Branford Park last Saturday, attended a memorial service in Nelson this afternoon.

It was held near the spot where Mr Minto died one week ago today from a single shotgun blast to the chest.

Many who attended were subdued by shock and grief at the loss of a friend under "surreal'' circumstances, said one of Mr Minto's friends who declined to be named.

Among those who attended were his partner of two-and-a-half years, Elisha Maunder, and the dead man's mother, Shirley Way.

Archdeacon Harvey Whakaruru, who conducted Mr Minto's private funeral service on Friday and today's memorial service, praised the few among the crowd who were with Mr Minto when he was shot.

"You are very special people in lots of ways. You hold on to the sacredness of everything that happened that day,'' Mr Whakaruru said.

- © Fairfax NZ News