Lundy funerals an ordeal for husband and father

Mark Lundy collapsed at the emotional funeral for his slain wife Christine and daughter Amber in Palmerston North yesterday.

St Peter's Anglican Church overflowed as hundreds of grieving friends and family farewelled murder victims Mrs Lundy, aged 38, and Amber, 7.

Distraught mourners held one another as they entered the church through a guard of honour created by members of the Scout and Guide movements.

Close friend Paul O'Brien spoke of a woman who lived to organise and help others, while local Guide leader Janice Williamson told of a little girl who wore her Pippins uniform with pride.

Amber was to have graduated from Pippins to join the Guides this week.

Mr O'Brien said Mrs Lundy, who had been involved in Palmerston North's Gang Show since 1978, was always "dancing, singing or helping out in any way she could."

Participants in the show sang at the funeral, their voices heard on speakers outside the church.

Mrs Lundy joined Guiding as a child and was involved ever since, gaining her Queen's Badge, the highest honour.

She was to have been recognised for 20 years' service at the end of this year.

She and her daughter were brutally murdered in their home in Kelvin Grove last week and police continue their hunt for their killer.

The crowd of mourners spilled out on to the street as the Rev Jim Tait spoke of two lives taken in the most sudden and evil way.

Mr O'Brien said: "We have all lost a respected and loved friend who will be sadly missed by us all."

Roslyn School teacher Joanne How said Amber was "one of those children every teacher wanted to have in their room."

Room 13 had lost a good friend, she said. Pupils knew "Amber will be dancing with angels."

Amber's dance teacher, Dean McKerras, said he'd had no idea how special his last lesson with her last week would be.

Mr McKerras read a poem dedicated to the little girl.

"How does one child out of a thousand I see, leap out and say, 'Hey, remember me.'

"Thank you so much, Amber, for taking your place in our hearts so that we will never forget you, you're such a big part."

Mr Lundy had to be supported as he left the church.

The Lundy family made an emotional plea on Wednesday for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Peter Rollinson said last night that police hoped to complete their scene examination over the weekend and were continuing with general inquiries.

They believed the pair were bludgeoned with a heavy object with a sharp edge and possibly a handle.

Police said yesterday that they had set up a website to encourage people to come forward with information about the murders.

The address is www.police.govt.nz/operation/winter.

Police have also set up a phone line (0800 679-468) to record information from the public.

- NZPA