The family of Auckland woman Lena Zhang Harrap have issued a statement thanking the public for the outpouring of support in the wake of the 27-year-old's death.
The body of the Mt Albert woman was found in a bush on Wednesday afternoon.
A 31-year-old man was charged with murder and sexual violation on Friday in relation to her death.
Police have now issued a statement on behalf of Zhang's family, who say they are "eternally grateful" for the outpouring of love from the community.
The family is now asking people to direct their support to Zhang's favourite charitable organisations, Heart Kids and StarJam - communities that brought her "joy, friendship, acceptance and belonging".
"With the outpouring we have received, we are eternally grateful," the statement says. "We acknowledge that people want to express their grief and love for Lena and our family.
"Lena received great joy, friendship, acceptance and belonging through two amazing charitable organisations; those being Heart Kids and StarJam.
"As such we would ask you to direct your aroha through supporting these two charities, so others may continue to benefit."
Zhang, who had Down syndrome, was a beloved member of the local community.
She was last seen at about 6am on Wednesday when she left her home to go for her regular walk. Her body was found that afternoon.
Police said it was immediately clear foul play was involved, and on Thursday released images of a man they called a "person of interest" in the case. On Friday, police said they had received "a significant amount of information" from the public, which led to the 31-year-old suspect's arrest in Papatoetoe in the early hours of Friday morning.
"This was a sickening and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community, which we know disturbed and angered a lot of people," Det Insp Aaron Pascoe said.
"While nothing will bring Lena back to her family, we hope today’s arrest provides a degree of comfort and reassurance knowing the person allegedly responsible for her brutal murder is in custody where he belongs.
"We want to acknowledge and thank the public for their assistance in providing valuable information which led to an arrest in this homicide investigation."
No one else is currently being sought in relation to Zhang's death, but police said the investigation is ongoing.
"We are appealing for anyone with sightings of a white Hyundai station wagon, registration EGZ962, since Wednesday," Pascoe said.
"Anyone who saw this vehicle over the past few days is asked to contact the Operation Daleyza investigation team by phoning 0800 325 399 (0800 DALEYZA)."
Flowers and cards have since been laid at the entrance to the Mount Albert Ōwairaka Domain, where Zhang liked to walk.
