Helena McAlpine's final wish no longer a reality

  • 31/12/2015
Helena McAlpine (File)
Helena McAlpine (File)

Television personality Helena McAlpine's wish from beyond the grave was meant to come true this evening, in the form of her ashes being blown into the sky as part of the New Year's Eve fireworks display at the Rhythm and Vines.

Rhythm and Vines organisers had initially agreed to the request but decided against it after meeting with the owners of the festival venue.

"Helena McAlpine had a strong personal connection to Rhythm and Vines, and it was her final wish to have her ashes scattered as part of the Rhythm and Vines fireworks display," a statement from organisers read.

"Her friends were hoping to do this tonight. However, as the organisers of Rhythm and Vines it's important that we also respect the wishes of local iwi, and after talking with them today, so can confirm that Helena's friends won't be going ahead with their original plan.

"Instead, they'll conduct a private ceremony at another time. Rhythm and Vine's traditional New Year's fireworks display will continue as usual."

The 37-year-old died in September this year after battling breast cancer since 2009.

In an interview in 2013 she said, "When I die, I'm going to get my ashes put into some fireworks which will be let off over Rhythm and Vines on New Year's Eve," the New Zealand Herald reports.

Her close friend Hollie Smith shared photos on Instagram of herself and friends packing Ms McAlpine's ashes into fireworks yesterday – the photos have since been removed.

Ms McAlpine was a campaigner for breast cancer awareness, telling the Breast Cancer Foundation, "before I die, I want to get a message to every woman in the country that they need to look after themselves and their friends and family."

In October 2012 she said she "did not want to be remembered as the girl who died from cancer, but as a 'good-time party girl who's a highly irresponsible adult with a heart of gold, though'," to the Herald in an interview.

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