Givealittle page for shooting survivor
A Givealittle page has been set up for Bianca Buckley, the partner of Raglan shooting victim Sean McKinnon.
The page was created by members of a close knit surfing community on social media called Ultimate Surf Bettys — of which Canadian Buckley is a member.
Page creator Lynne Hunt explained how the all-female group were rocked by the tragic event and wanted to do something to show love and support for Buckley.
“A lot of us felt lost and absolutely heartbroken for her,” she said.
“I felt we needed to do something to let her know that we are here and love and support her. But also to let her know that at a time when I’m sure she is questioning everything about humans, that there is a lot of good and love in the world — and we are wrapping our arms around her in the best possible way.”
Hunt said she had contacted a close friend of Buckley’s who confirmed the page had her blessing.
All funds raised will go towards “whatever she needs”, Hunt said.
“Whether it be a trip back to her home country, or anywhere that may help to bring some solace — or potentially for any form of support that may be needed in the aftermath of this tragedy,” she said.
McKinnon’s body was found in his rented campervan at Gordonton, north of Hamilton, at 8am last Friday, sparking a homicide investigation.
The 33-year-old had been on a surfing holiday with Buckley, who is a midwife at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland.
The pair were freedom camping at the remote Te Toto Gorge carpark in the hills south of Raglan overnight.
Buckley escaped and ran 2km in bare feet to raise the alarm.
A 23-year-old man, who has interim name suppression, was arrested on Friday night by armed police.
He has been charged with murder, robbery causing grievous bodily harm, threatening to kill, and driving while disqualified.
He was remanded in custody to reappear at the High Court on August 27.
Hunt said when something like this happens in New Zealand, it shocks people “to their core”.
“For any form of freedom camping it is a massive concern.
“Obviously this is something that New Zealand is renowned for — something we all love doing is parking up at the beach and waking up to the surf.” Go to Sending love to Bianca Buckley on Givealittle to donate.