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Regional | Australia

Paterson's whānau grateful for support from wider community

Far North Police in Australia say they are working around the clock as they investigate the murder of Campbell Paterson, from Hawke's Bay, after his body was found earlier this month.  Some 30 police officers have been working on the case.

Meanwhile, Reverend Matiu Eru has been spending each day with the whānau of Campbell Paterson conducting karakia, and says the family are so grateful for the wealth of love and support they've received from the wider community.

“They are doing well, the love of his partner Claudine and their beautiful children, they are just like Campbell, they really know how to care and look after people,” says Rev. Matiu Eru.

Detectives acted upon information received from confidential sources in the local community which lead to the arrest of Campbell's associate David Hickson for the murder.  Police say they are not looking for anyone else.

This is a major investigation for Far North Police in Australia, who are dedicating significant resource to the case, who say they have now processed all evidence from two crime scenes.

However, Police are waiting on official ID confirmation as his remains are being DNA analysed at the John Tonge mortuary in Brisbane.

Rev. Matiu Eru says, “The hope is that he will return on Friday and then he'll go straight home to the house, the home where his partner is, instead of going to the marae.”

The financial load on the family has been lightened by a generous outpouring of donations from the public, through the website 'Give a Little', with almost $5000 raised to help pay for flights to Australia and other expenses needed during this tragic time.

Paterson is expected to return to NZ on Friday