More than 300 people have marched to reclaim their neighbourhood where Cun Xiu Tian was killed in her west Auckland home last week.
The Te Atatu community turned out in numbers for a memorial service for Cun Xiu Tian Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Cun Xiu Tian was found dead by her daughter and son in law when they came home from work on Friday.
Police have confirmed that she was the victim a violent death and today called for sightings of a man in his 20s, dressed in a green and white tracksuit and white baseball cap.
Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
A candlelight vigil started in the nearby Te Atatu Baptist Church where a moment of silence and prayer was held.
People then walked to Ms Tian's home where a long queue formed and flowers were laid near the driveway, where a police cordon is still in place.
The crowd included local Fire Service staff and others who went straight to the vigil in work uniform.
Church leader David Spackman said he was overwhelmed by the response from the community.
But he said many people were still fearful, and some were afraid to come to tonight's service and leave their homes empty.
Flowers are laid at a memorial to murdered Te Atatu woman Cun Xiu Tian Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Earlier today, Maryanne Paerau - a neighbour of Ms Tian's - told RNZ she saw a man fitting that description on the day who was "acting casual".
Watch the Checkpoint with John Campbell video report on the latest developments here:
Police have called it a horrific and despicable crime, and said great force was used to strike Ms Tian about the head and face many times.
Police have said the examination of Ms Tian's home and the post mortem on her body suggested it was highly likely her attackers left with blood on them, their shoes or their clothing.
