Anahera’s ‘family’ lays her to rest2 min read
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What should have been a child’s fourth birthday was instead a farewell. One Saturday in August, the Onehunga community gathered to lay to rest the newborn girl, Anahera, found at a local recycling centre.
St Peter’s Anglican Church was full of people wanting to show love and dignity to a child who never had the chance to grow up. The Auckland Gospel Choir filled the church with music, their voices joined by the congregation in a moving tribute.
Vicar, Andrew Coyle, reminded everyone present that Anahera was not alone. “We commit Anahera to God’s care today. In our sadness, we also hold hope – the certainty that she is now cherished in God’s embrace.”
For many, the service carried a deep sense of community connection. Church member, Dayna Townsend, spoke of how Anahera had been claimed as “our child.” She said, “Mothers, fathers, aunties, uncles, grandparents – all of us have stepped up to be her family. She has been named, wanted and loved. Precious angel baby, here is your family. Though we never got to chase you around a playground or sing you lullabies, we are here now to sing you home.”
“There’s a saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Anahera’s mother may not have felt she had a village, but today we showed that she does. We are her village.”
Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who has led the investigation since Anahera was found four years ago, also attended. He acknowledged the pain of the unanswered questions, but praised the spirit of Onehunga. “This innocent child was deprived of a life, yet this community has given her dignity. We are not here to judge, but to honour her. Rest in peace, Anahera. Fly free.”
The service ended with the choir singing Stand By Me as Anahera’s small white casket was carried to a waiting hearse.
At the cemetery, Cllr Josephine Bartley scattered handwritten letters into her grave before gently laying soil upon it.
In the stillness, with only the sound of birds and the wind in the trees, Anahera was finally laid to rest – not forgotten, but carried forever in the heart of her community.
