Whangarei shooting: Victim's family thanks support

  • 01/08/2017

The family of a woman slain by a gunman in Whangarei have thanked the police officers who were at the scene that day.

Wendy Campbell and her daughter Natanya were killed by Quinn Patterson on Wednesday when they were conducting a property inspection.

After a day-long stand-off with police, the house at the centre of the fatal shooting burned to the ground, with Patterson believed to have been inside. Badly burnt remains were recovered from the property the next day.

Wendy and Natanya were there for a routine inspection and to install smoke alarms when they were fatally shot.

Their family has now released a statement thanking their community for the support, and the police for the risks they faced.

"Wendy's husband Tony Rodgers, his daughter and fiancé Karla and Phil, and his sister and brother-in-law Bev and Ash, would like to say and enormous 'Thank you' to the police who have risked their lives on that tragic day," the statement reads.

Wendy and Natanya Campbell.
Wendy and Natanya Campbell. Photo credit: Facebook

"To Geoff Pipe for his bravery. To her mother Gail and family, and to Natanya's whanau for their wonderful graciousness and love. To the Elim church for kindly providing for Wendy's funeral.

"Biggest thank you to Tony and Wendy's church family at Hebron Christian Fellowship who have given him so much love and support in every way possible.

"We don't know how we could get through this without our faith, family and precious friends. Thank you."

Julie Pepper, a close family friend previously paid tribute to Wendy, calling her a "very outgoing, very vibrant, very down-to-earth person".

"She calls a spade a spade and she'll always have your back. She sticks up for friends and family, she's very loyal."

Newshub.