Mt Albert tragedy: Police charge man with murder, sexual violation in Lena Zhang Harrap killing

The family of Lena Zhang Harrap have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and love for them and their daughter but asked that people's generosity be directed to two charities that supported her.

"With the outpouring we have received, we are eternally grateful," they said in a statement issued by police.

"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."

A man is due to appear in court today faced with the murder and sexual violation of Harrap, who disappeared on a walk in an Auckland suburb two days ago.

Police confirmed this morning a 31-year-old man has been arrested and is due in the Auckland District Court today.

Harrap's body was discovered earlier this week barely a kilometre from her Mt Albert home after her daily walk turned to tragedy.

This morning police said they had received a significant amount of information from the public following yesterday's appeal to help identify a person of interest.

As a result of inquiries into this information, a man was found in a vehicle in Papatoetoe - around 20km away from Mt Albert - at 1.30am and was arrested.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said police hoped news of the arrest would provide some reassurance to the local community.

"This was a sickening and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community, which we know disturbed and angered a lot of people," said Pascoe.

"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."

Police were not currently seeking anyone else in relation to the murder, however inquiries continued into the investigation with a fresh appeal for sightings of a car.

A fresh appeal has been made for sightings since Wednesday of a white Hyundai station wagon. Photo / Supplied

Anyone who had seen a white Hyundai station wagon, registration EGZ962, since Wednesday was asked to contact the investigation team.

Pascoe said the dead woman's family had been notified about the arrest and police were continuing to support them at this extremely difficult time.

Pascoe praised Aucklanders, in particular those living in Mt Albert and Mt Eden communities, for being so helpful to police throughout the murder inquiry.

"Without the help of the public we would not have been able to achieve this result for the family and for Lena as quickly as we have," he said.

"So thank you from the New Zealand Police."

Those in Auckland's Down syndrome and StarJam community and teachers at her former high school have been left heartbroken by the 27-year-old's death.

On stage Harrap shone, her enthusiasm and infectious smile bringing joy to those watching and performing alongside the StarJam dancer who gave every routine her best.

The New Zealand Down syndrome community said it was shocked by the heart-breaking news.

"The loss of a child is the worst possible nightmare for any whānau, and the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association and the Auckland Down Syndrome Association, and the UpsideDowns Education trust offer their condolences to Lena's family and friends," said the organisation.

The organisations were now liaising to see how they could most effectively support the Harrap family and honour a life tragically taken.

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StarJam, an organisation that uses music, dance and performance to connect young people with disabilities, posted a photo of Harrap, her hair being curled ahead of a show.

They paid tribute to the "true Jammer", saying that for more than a decade Harrap had been part of the city's dance crew and known for her infectious smile and enthusiasm.

"For over 12 years, Lena has been a true Jammer in Auckland Magic Movers and more recently the Central Alumni All Stars; greeting everyone with her infectious smile, genuine heartfelt support and inviting her fellow Jammers up to join her Spot the Talents. Lena, you will always be in our hearts – our thoughts go out to your family and friends," read a Facebook post.

One woman who worked at StarJam said Lena brought a special touch of magic to the stage.

Ella Stuart said: "It was such a privilege to know Lena - she was always so enthusiastic with everything she did and her love of dancing was truly wonderful to watch. She put the 'magic' in Magic Movers! She will be so missed and in our hearts and memories always."

Flowers lie at the top of the bush-lined walkway where Lena Zhang Harrap's body was found on Wednesday. Photo / Miriam Burrell

Another woman whose sister did StarJam alongside Harrap shared a touching post.

"She was so joyful. She's dancing with the angels tonight," wrote Hayley Cargill-Pautu.

Lynfield College principal Cath Knell today said it was an upsetting time for everyone who knew Harrap and the school's thoughts were with her family.

"Lena may have been small in stature but she had the biggest heart. Her wicked sense of humour backed up by a mischievous smile brought much joy to those who taught her. Confident and independent, Lena placed no limitations on herself and gave everything her best shot," said Knell.

She said the former student would be remembered fondly and always with a smile.

Harrap's primary school, Gladstone School in Mt Albert, posted a message of support for the family as well.

"Our heartfelt thoughts go out to the family of Lena at this incredibly sad time. Lena attended Gladstone Primary and she is still fondly remembered by the staff and students who worked with her and supported her over the years she spent with us," they said.

Gladstone Primary School's message to Lena Zhang Harrop's family. Image / Supplied

The walkway between Grande Ave and Summit Dr where her body was found in an area of bush alongside the paved pathway remains remained cordoned off today.

Earlier police said they were stepping up patrols in the suburb as they hunted for her killer, carrying out additional reassurance patrols and speaking to local residents on the street she was last seen walking along early Wednesday morning.

Yesterday, as the homicide investigation was launched, police released a picture of a dark-skinned balding man with a distinct mark on his forehead wearing a blue jumper walking along Grande Ave shortly after 7.30am.

Police earlier appealed for sightings of a man seen in Grande Ave early on Wednesday morning. Photo / Supplied

They appealed for this person or anyone who knew him to come forward, saying they believed he could assist the investigation.

Police also appealed to anyone who saw Harrap or the mystery man to contact the investigation team.

"We also want to hear from any residents who live along any of the above streets, including Summit Drive, who have CCTV cameras that may have captured Lena or this male in a blue jumper walking past their property," said police.

Harrap had gone on her daily walk leaving her Jersey Ave home at 6.30am, moving slowly along Richardson Rd, before turning left up Grande Ave where she was captured on a resident's security camera at 7.30am.

Lena Zhang Harrap, 27, wearing a purple jersey and dark pants on her morning walk along Grand Ave, Mt Albert. Photo / Supplied

Police said they were working closely with and supporting Harrap's family, who were understandably devastated by the news.

"We know the news about this homicide investigation will be distressing to the public and to the local community in particular and we want to reassure them that Police have a large investigation team working hard to identify and locate anyone involved in Lena's death."

• Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area around Grande Ave, Summit Dr or the Ōwairaka Domain early Wednesday morning is asked to contact police on 0800 325 399 (0800 DALEYZA).