Beach vigil to remember Jack

Balloons are released in a twilight service for Jack Dixon on Mount Maunganui Main Beach. Photo / Andrew Warner

THE sky over Mount Maunganui Main Beach turned red and blue on Saturday night as more than 100 people gathered to release coloured balloons in a twilight event to support the family of missing 5-year-old Jack Dixon.

Battling cold winds, the group, which included Jack's family and friends, formed a horseshoe around candles and counted down from 10 in a chorus.

As people let go of their balloons there were cheers, some singing and clapping. Then silence as the crowd watched the balloons float off over the Norfolk Pines lining Mount Maunganui's Marine Parade, up over the Twin Towers, and slowly disappear into the evening sky as it neared sunset.

The vigil's organiser, 27-year-old Rory Coghlan, accompanied by his 2-year-old son Saig, said the purpose was to show the family the community was still behind them.

"We're still thinking of them - of Jack. We haven't forgotten him, and we are all here supporting the family ... We are still thinking of him and we are still waiting for him to come home."

The mood was upbeat and the group included many children.

Wrapped in a sling snuggled to mum Shannon Moore's chest was 9-month-old Erin Moores. Her 9-month twin Libby was with dad Aaron Moores.

Mrs Moores was a friend of some of Jack's extended family. She, husband Aaron, and friend Kate Enright and son Mack all came in support.

"We are here to show support for the family in what is a terrible tragic situation ... I think everyone here realises that in a different time and place it could have been any one of us."

There were locals who did not know the family but wanted to show that the community was still thinking of Jack.

Registered nurse Nicki Grey was there with husband Marty and three children Zoe, 12, Flynn 8, and Kella, 10.

Kella (left), Nicki, Zoe, Flynn, and Marty Grey were at the beach the day of the tragedy and returned to show support to Jack's family. Photo / Andrew Warner

It was Mrs Grey's first time back to the Mount since October 1. The Grey family had been playing in the park nearby and were going to go on to play at Shelly Beach.

"The track was closed ... we saw police and everything ... it was surreal being there ... We always go to Shelly Beach, and the children have grown up playing there. It was a freak accident. So sad."

Mrs Grey said all her children wanted to return to show Jack's family support.

"We have been following the story ... coming here tonight is just a small way we can show our respect."

Jack Dixon was swept away to sea by a freak wave at Shelly Beach on October 1.