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Groups of grieving teenagers walked in procession yesterday to a spot near where the body of murdered schoolgirl Liberty Templeman was found.
There were outpourings of emotion as friends and classmates paid tribute and struggled to come to terms with the slaying of the 15-year-old.
Trauma counselling staff joined the students, who held a minute's silence and sang Amazing Grace.
Then they covered the walls of Kerikeri High School's auditorium - now an outlet for the grief of the school's students - in flowers and messages for the bright and bubbly girl, repeatedly described as a star.
The body of the talented drama student was found by a police officer at 5.30pm on Sunday in an overgrown citrus orchard, which nearby residents say is often used by the high school students as a short-cut walkway and sometimes for gatherings.
Northland police said yesterday they knew how Liberty was slain, but that would remain between them and her killer, or killers.
Colourful messages say she will be remembered for her smile, her love of life and for being herself.
Photos of the teenager are displayed, her heart-shaped sunglasses and warm smile reflecting the warm and happy personality the students say they will remember.
"Your smile kept the sun shining," one message read.
Other tributes, displayed near photos of Liberty dressed for the lead role in the local pantomime, Sinbad, read: "Shine like the star you are."
Photocopies of a handwritten story by Liberty describe a time her best friends went to the movies, filled themselves up on popcorn and had a fight with "party poppers" that left them strewn in string.
Kerikeri High School principal Elizabeth Forgie said students who wanted to could continue with classes. Others were allowed to remain in the tribute area to share their grief.
Far North police area commander Inspector Chris Scahill said a "challenging" scene examination for police could take days to complete.
Mr Scahill said more than 30 officers from around Northland were continuing to interview many people to reconstruct Libby's movements. They included friends Liberty was with before she failed to meet another friend on Saturday night.
"I'm confident we'll solve this. There's a high level of motivation to solve it - not just for ourselves but the community and, I suspect, the whole country."
He would not say whether officers believed the attack to be premeditated, or if there was cause for further concern in the town.
"I'm not going to speculate or comment on potential motives or methods ... I fully appreciate that there's a lot of anxiousness and nervousness in the local community. As regards to that, common sense applies. Think about where you're going out and who you're with. There's always safety in numbers."
