More than $35,000 has been raised by the Upper Hutt community for the family of a toddler who died on Thursday.
Three-year-old Amberlie Pennington-Foley sustained critical injuries in a tragic accident while playing on a playground at Harcourt Park - she died in hospital a short time later.
The family migrated from the UK nine years ago and is now faced with the "overwhelming" cost of bringing relatives over to say goodbye to Amberlie.
A Givealittle page set up by family friends is aiming to help the Pennington-Foley family make it to New Zealand for Amberlie's funeral. The page has raised $38,526 since Monday, and the money continues to pour in.
Amberlie's mother Emma told Stuff her family is incredibly grateful.
"The love and support of everybody around us and indeed the world has literally got us through the last few days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts," she said.
"Words alone will never be enough to convey our heartfelt thanks to everybody who has donated to the Givealittle page or delivered food and flowers to us."
The page says Emma's employer is contributing to costs of bringing her and her partner Rob's immediate family over, but the COVID-19 pandemic means travel is more expensive than usual.
"We are hoping to raise money to support the family with the costs of travel, quarantine and accommodation as well as holding a celebration of Amberlie's short but happy life," the page description reads.
"If there is any funds remaining, they will go towards easing the pressure on Emma and Rob financially."
