The small Southland town of Otautau was unusually busy today as mourners came together to say goodbye to the little boy who was killed there last week.
The service for the slain nine-year-old was started at 11.30am at a sport complex in the town.
Hundreds of people attended the service, many of them children.
The coffin arrived at the venue and was taken in surrounded by friends and family.
A memory book is at the service for people to share their thoughts.
The news of the child’s death shocked the rural community last week.
Police completed forensic testing on two properties in Otautau and a young person was arrested and charged with murder in relation to the death last week.
They appeared in the Invercargill Youth Court and did not enter a plea.
A police spokesperson said both properties had been blessed and released.
