Family will keep Vanessa's memory alive

A spokesperson for the family of Vanessa Pickering has addressed the media, saying they are "devastated'' by their "heartbreaking'' ordeal.

Robyn Hanson, the aunt of Pickering's partner Kaade, said although the family's loss was sad, they were ``fortunate to still have our wee girl''.

``[Vanessa's daughter] has been through a traumatic experience and misses her mum dearly. She's doing her best, and has been so brave.

``We will treasure her forever,'' she said.

``You just handle it day by day. We couldn't comprehend what had happened. The police have been wonderful in keeping us informed,'' she said. Hanson said Pickering's daughter would be cared for by Pickering's mother and her partner, known only as Kaade.

``Kaade and Diane will keep [Vanessa's] memory alive,'' she said.

The family were planning a celebration on Pickering's birthday and had started a memory box. Her daughter had also been given a locket to wear with a picture of her mother inside it.

Malcolm Chaston, 40, appeared in Christchurch District Court this morning charged with Pickering's murder.

Hanson said although it was important that someone be held accountable they ``hadn't given him a thought''.
``He doesnt even come into it,'' she said.

The family had not yet visited the site in Godley Head where Pickering's body was found.

Hanson thanked the police and volunteers involved in the search.

A trust for Pickering's daughter has been set up;

The Little T Appeal Trust
Malley and Co Lawyers,
P O Box 1202, Christchurch
phone 03 379 0712

or any branch of the BNZ.

Mourners farewell Chch mum

Mourners farewelled New Brighton mother Vanessa Pickering with a haka outside ChristChurch Cathedral this afternoon.

Balloons in Pickering's favourite colours - pink and purple - adorned the cathedral and were released after the service with a single white dove.

Reverend Lynda Patterson began the service by saying  that "no one should ever have to die like this".

Patterson said the Cathedral was "packed to the rafters" with people who loved Pickering.

The 27-year-old's body was found in Godley Head last Thursday.

Forty-year-old Malcolm Chaston has been charged with Pickering's murder.

Chaston charged with murder

Malcolm George Chaston has been charged with the murder of 27-year-old New Brighton mother Vanessa Pickering in Christchurch District Court today.

Court documents indicate it was murder by stabbing.

The murder charge comes after Chaston, 40, was charged with assault with intent to commit sexual violation, and separate counts of abduction, assault and sexual violation of a child last week.

Chaston was identified by police last week as being a person of interest in the inquiry into Pickering's disappearance.

Her body was later discovered on Godley Head near Christchurch.

A funeral service for Pickering will be held this afternoon in ChristChurch Cathedral.

Chaston has been remanded in custody until February 23.

- © Fairfax NZ News