Central Otago residents are being called on to support women affected by domestic violence.

The initiative, called the Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand, was launched in memory of Grace Millane, who was killed in an Auckland hotel room in 2018 by a man she met on a dating app.

Central Otago coordinator Philippa Bain said anyone who wants to support the appeal can do so by donating a handbag filled with some basics, plus extras, or luxuries if people wish.

“It doesn’t have to be a new handbag,” she said.

“If it’s preloved . . . but it’s still in good condition, that also works.”

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand was launched in memory of Grace Millane. PHOTO: Supplied

Basics include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, along with tissues, plasters and hair brush, if anyone wants to add extra items.

The bags are being collected at Cromwell, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Maniototo public libraries.

Luxury items such as perfume, makeup, a notebook and pen, among other items, are also welcome.

Philippa offered to volunteer as the Central Otago coordinator after hearing about the initiative on social media. She felt it was a worthy cause after being involved in a similar initiative in Australia, where she previously lived.

A list of the items people are welcome to include in their bag as part of the appeal. IMAGE: Supplied

“I loved it. It felt like a real meaningful charity to be involved in,” she said.

“When I saw a similar cause I jumped at the chance.”

Philippa’s aim was to provide a collection point in each of Central Otago’s main towns to make it easily accessible for anyone wanting to get involved.

Items donated in Central Otago will be given to the Dunedin Women’s Refuge.

Kylie-Ann Kearney, this year's overall organiser, first ran an appeal in 2020 when she saw a Facebook post from the UK Love Grace Handbag Appeal and wanted to do something similar in New Zealand.

After getting the go ahead from Grace Millane's cousin, Hannah, who runs the Love Grace charitable appeal in the UK, Kylie-Ann reached out to her network of friends to ask for help.

Seven locations around New Zealand were organised, and during the appeal they collected more than 1000 bags, which were donated to the women's refuges around NZ.

This year Kylie-Ann wanted to go bigger and decided to reach out to the community of loyal followers on the Love Grace NZ Facebook page that was created back in 2020. The response was incredible, and the amount of support received has been enough to help launch the appeal nationwide.

“Without the support of all the women who have contacted me to join my team for this years Love Grace Handbag appeal, I would not have been able to pull this off," she said.

"We hope to continue to grow this appeal and raise awareness of male violence against women in NZ.”

The appeal starts on February 14, Valentine's Day, and ends on March 8, International Women’s Day, with 29 collection points throughout the country.

To find out more visit the Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand Facebook page.