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Mourners have gathered at a West Auckland church to farewell Aisling Symes, 10 days after her death.
Many wept as they farewelled the two-year-old toddler who captured the heart of a nation.
Two-year-old Aisling disappeared in Longburn Rd, Henderson on Monday, October 5. She was found a week later in a stormwater drain nearby . A post mortem showed she had drowned .
She was found a week later in a stormwater drain nearby. A post mortem showed she had drowned.
The tiny coffin of Aisling was covered by a New Zealand and an Irish flag and surrounded by flowers and soft toys at the packed Ranui Baptist Church.
On top of the coffin sat her new favourite toy, a Winnie the Pooh bear bought only hours before she disappeared.
Her favourite music was played during the service.
People began to enter the church shortly after 9am including Inspector Gary Davey, the police officer who led the huge search for her.
Church performers sang on the stage nearly 90 minutes before the funeral was due to start.
Three rooms were set aside for mourners, two of which have screens with video links to the funeral.
Pastor Russell Watts says the level of practical, loving support has stunned the family and they are happy for the public to attend the funeral.
The public service is followed by a private cremation.
