Down syndrome community 'shocked to the core' by death of Lena Zhang Harrap

Saturday, 25 September 2021

Long time Mt Albert walker expresses concern at walkway where Lena Zhang Harrap was killed.

People with Down syndrome and their families are being urged not to let the alleged murder of Lena Zhang Harrap stop them from seeking independence and being a part of their communities.

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) national executive officer Zandra Vaccarino said the traumatic event had shaken their community to the core.

Zhang, 27, was found dead on Ōwairaka/Mt Albert on Wednesday, hours after she had left her home to go on a daily morning walk.

Lena Zhang Harrap was known for her independence and loved walking in her neighbourhood.

Zhang, who had Down syndrome and was visually impaired, lived in the inner-Auckland suburb of Mt Albert with her family. She was independent and relished walking the familiar streets of her neighbourhood.

**READ MORE:

People have laid flowers and notes for Zhang on Ōwairaka/Mt Albert.

* Mt Albert homicide: Lena Zhang Harrap walked same route daily, this time she didn't come home

* Family of Mt Albert's Lena Zhang Harrap thank public for love and support after alleged murder

* Auckland woman, 28, found dead after going missing during walk

Flowers have been left at the scene where Lena Zhang Harrap’s body was found in Mt Albert.

A 31-year-old man charged with Zhang’s murder appeared in court on Friday and was granted interim name suppression.

Vaccarino said the Down syndrome community was heartbroken for Zhang’s family and friends, and hoped the wider community would continue to surround them with love and support.

“Lena’s death has shocked our community to the core and many parents have expressed increased fear and anxiety about giving their children with Down syndrome the independence any person deserves,' Vaccarino said.

“We totally understand this sentiment, but we want to encourage all families not to give into this fear by keeping their loved ones at home.”

She said disabled people were safer when they participated in their community and not isolated, as highlighted by the current work of the Royal Commission into Abuse.

Vaccarino said Zhang was a wonderful example of someone who was fully immersed in her local community.

“This crime has sent shock waves through New Zealand as we grapple with the fact that a perpetrator targeted Lena because of an imbalance in power.

“We hope that this crime will galvanise a collective response to take action to put safeguards in place in our communities so that disabled people can continue to be fully included in our community.”

She said leading a full independent life was a human right for disabled people, and inclusive communities were safer and healthier communities.

On Friday night, the NZDSA and other disability groups came together on a Zoom meeting where families in their community were able to share and talk about their shock and anxiety.

Police on Saturday said they would complete the examination of the Mt Albert scene and thanked everyone for helping support their investigation.

They are still seeking any sightings of the vehicle, a white 2004 Hyundai station wagon with the registration EGZ962, used by the alleged offender.

The vehicle has distinctive brown tape around the left rear window.