Bank account established for donations to hitch-hikers

Friday, 4 April 2014 - 3:31pm

National News

Christchurch Police have advised that a bank account has been established to receive donations for 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 last weekend.

Donations can be made at ANZ Bank branches, or by online banking.

The bank account is: 06-0821-0714633-00
The account name is: Donation Fund for Niki and Michaela

Detective Senior Sergeant Darryl Sweeney says Police and Victim Support in Christchurch are working to ensure Miss Brandl and Miss Honda receive comprehensive assistance and support once they are discharged from hospital.

The two agencies will also be coordinating offers of donated goods and services that have been received during the past six days.

"We will ensure that the two women have access to all the support and help that is available once they come out of hospital," Detective Senior Sergeant Sweeney says.

"It's been really pleasing to see Niki and Michaela's ongoing recovery over the past few days. We have been meeting with them daily since the incident, and they are feeling a lot better.

"They are very brave women. They have come through a very distressing ordeal but are still feeling overwhelmed by the incident and its ongoing effects.

"Some fantastic offers of public support have been flowing in over the past few days, including offers of accommodation, a campervan, cash, clothing and many other items.

"Niki and Michaela are both still very keen to eventually continue their travels around New Zealand, and to experience it the way all tourists should as a fantastic country with great people.

"The generosity of so many New Zealanders will go a long way towards helping to make that happen.

"Police and the two women are also extremely grateful for the assistance of Victim Support this week, and as they look to get back on their feet in the coming days."

Police confirm that both women remain in Christchurch Hospital today in a comfortable condition. It is not yet known when they will be discharged.

Both women have been visited regularly by friends, and family members of Miss Honda have now arrived in Christchurch.

ENDS

NOTE:

The two women have advised that as a result of the trauma they have experienced, and their ongoing medical treatment, they do not feel able to speak to news media or to release a statement at this time.

They have asked that their privacy is respected while they remain in New Zealand.

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