Advisory: Tourists discharged, further statement
Monday, 7 April 2014 - 4:50pm
Canterbury

Christchurch Police have confirmed that tourists Michaela Brandl and Niki Honda, who were victims of alleged robbery and assault by a 38-year old Otaki man on the West Coast on Sunday 30 March, were discharged from Christchurch Hospital this afternoon [Monday 7 April].

Donations: As at 4.00pm today, a total of $14,035 had been deposited into the account set up to receive donations to the two women.

Media: Michaela and Niki have confirmed that they will not be giving any interviews to news media.

Niki Honda has provided a further statement, which Police are circulating below on her behalf.

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Thank you New Zealand for all the love and support. The letters and flowers we received at the hospital helped get us through the first intensive days. Now the Police have informed us there has been an account opened for donations too. We feel so blessed, we don't know what to say.

I have been travelling in your beautiful country for two months and I know Kiwis are some of the nicest people in the world. This will not change for me. There are bad people in every country. Maybe this was my destiny to appreciate life once again.

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Ms Amy Farrall. My thoughts and prayers go to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Sometimes all of this feels like a dream, a long dream I can't wake up from. Still, life goes on. And life is about appreciating everything around you, to be positive, to laugh and be happy. It won't be always easy, but I don't want to forget who I am. I want to smile like I always did.

Right now we would like to have a good long rest, and focus on our well being. I would like to see a little bit more of New Zealand, but taking it slowly.

I would like to once again thank everyone who is supporting us: the doctors and nurses, the police, members of Victim Support, my family and friends. I couldn't go through this without them. And I would like to thank the people who rescued us. They saved our lives. There are no words to describe the appreciation I feel. I would really like to get their names and see them.

And last, I would like to thank especially my new friend Michaela, the bravest woman I've ever met. I don't know what would have happened to me without her, and she has given me the greatest support to get through this. I feel so blessed that we have each other.

Hontou ni arigatou.

Niki Honda

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ENDS

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