The family of murdered teenager Amber-Rose Rush says the trial has been "horrendous".
On Wednesday evening 32-year-old Venod Skantha was found guilty of murdering the 16-year-old in February 2018.
Rush's father spoke to media outside the Dunedin High Court and thanked the police and detectives for their hard work.
"Also the judge jury and prosecution for the time it took to get some justice for our beautiful young hero," said Shane Rush.
"This has been a horrendous time for us all - for all the family we are very thankful for everyone out there who has helped us," he continued.
He says the murder of Rush has affected the family "in every way".
"Two family members are now gone and everyone else has to find a way to move on."
Rush's mother died in June 2018 - four months after she found her daughter's body in their Corstorphine home.
The court heard Skantha stabbed the teenager multiple times in the neck and throat to silence her allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Skantha will be remanded in custody until March 6. He has been convicted of one count of murder and four of threatens to kill.
