Thousands march to support Whangarei attack victim

  • 02/05/2016
Jane Frazerhurst
Jane Frazerhurst

Whangarei residents held a defiant rally last night, saying they won't be intimidated by the abduction of a female jogger.

A 40-year-old man has been charged with taking and sexually attacking a young woman running the Hatea Loop on Friday morning.

About 2000 people walked the Hatea Loop yesterday, surprising organisers.

Hundreds of dollars were collected in donations for the victim.

Organiser Jane Frazerhurst says the community won't be scared into the shadows.

"It was really important to get everyone together and show our support and strength as a community to come together and walk the loop, because it's our place and what we do."

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai wants new lighting for the loop to be fast-tracked. Members of the council plan to meet on Thursday to discuss that and other potential improvements to the path, such as improving escape routes and making sure plants can't be hidden behind.

CCTV cameras already in place helped police find the alleged offender.

The victim, a woman in her early 20s, was abducted from the Hatea Loop early on Friday morning while she was out jogging. Police say she was taken to a house, "viciously assaulted" and then dumped in the central city.

Her alleged attacker remains in custody and is facing a number of charges, and appear in court some time this week.

Newshub.