KEY POINTS:
The parents of murdered teenager Liberty Rose Templeman described their daughter as a "beautiful girl" and a "guiding light" at her funeral in Kerikeri.
Yesterday's service, at arts and recreation venue The Centre, was an explosion of colour, songs and photos.
Many attendees opted for orange clothes _ Liberty's favourite colour _ after her parents urged people not to wear black.
The 15-year-old Kerikeri High pupil, a dedicated musician and drama student, was farewelled "just as she would have wanted _ pulling in the crowds," said her parents, Rebecca and Andrew Templeman, in a statement read to hundreds of mourners.
"Three weeks ago she played Princess Yasmin in the school production of Sinbad in this same venue and so it's fitting she is taking centre-stage again for her final performance."
A 14-year-old Kerikeri High student was arrested on Friday evening, a week after Liberty _ known as Libby _ was reported missing. Her body was found in the Wairoa Stream in the town last Sunday evening.
The accused appeared in the Kaikohe Youth Court on Friday facing one charge of murder and one charge of indecent assault.
Far North Area Commander Inspector Chris Scahill said the boy was known to Libby but he was not her boyfriend.
The "bubbly" and "crazy chick", as she was described by friends, was placed in her casket wearing her favourite clothes: black skinny jeans, pink shoes, a blue chequered shirt, a black tutu and a tiara.
She also had a Harry Potter book "to read on her way", according to a family friend from the UK.
Her school drama teacher, Nick Brown, said Libby was "energetic" and had a "subtle but powerful influence" over her peers. "I am 37 years old and if I'm lucky enough to live another 37 years I will never live unaffected by this girl," he said.
More than 500 people attended the funeral, including friends and family from Libby's hometown in the UK, from where her family moved in 2005 in search of a better life. Those who could not make it to New Zealand sent letters and pictures for a presentation that played throughout the service.
Songs by Libby's favourite artists, including Alicia Keys and Green Day, were played, and her bright orange casket was escorted to the hearse to her favourite song from the movie High School Musical.
Many friends dyed their hair orange and the ushers all wore orange ribbons around their arms. The service was followed by a private cremation at which 15 balloons were released, one for each year of Libby's life.
Visitors to Libby's Bebo social networking site were left in no doubt about her biggest priorities. "My friends really do make up my whole world," her profile said. "Family are so important. I am always to be here for my friends despite time and place."
On his Bebo site, Libby's ex-boyfriend Connor said she hadn't died, but had "gone to a place where I can't reach you".
"But please try and talk to me and guide me on my journey cause you are my light. Without you I would never have become who I am today."
The small Bay of Islands community remains shocked by Libby's death. One posting on a memorial website said: "What a waste of a beautiful person we have all lost. Your parents have lost their baby to the hands of a sicko."
Mr Scahill said the police investigation was focused on preparing for the court case.
"We have a fairly complete idea of the incidents leading up to her death."
HORROR ROLL
March, 2008: A 14-year-old is charged with the murder of Scottish tourist Karen Aim.
January 2008: A 14-year-old boy is charged with murder after aTokoroa man is stabbed.
September 2006: Ngati Reweti is convicted of manslaughter after throwing concrete on to Auckland's Southern Motorway, killing Chris Currie.
May 2006: Rarua Edwardson, 16, found guilty of the manslaughter of cousin, Mellissa Puhi, 15.
February 2003: Renee Kara O'Brien found guilty of murdering Kenneth Pigott when she was aged 14.
September 2001: Bailey Junior Kurariki, 13, found guilty of the manslaughter of Michael Choy.
- Rebecca Milne
