He was sentenced to home detention last month and granted permanent name suppression. The presiding judge also suppressed details of why she granted his application.
As part of his sentence, the offender – who has convictions for abusing other women in almost identical circumstances – paid Sawyers $6000.
She took the money to her local Pak’nSave, purchased $100 vouchers and let her young son, nieces and nephew give every cent away.
“I didn’t want his bloody money … it represented one of the darkest chapters of my life,” she said.
“We don’t know the names of the people we helped. We don’t know their stories. But we hope that around 60 families found grocery shopping a little less stressful that day.
“Watching those four kids hand money to complete strangers changed me forever. They didn’t see strangers. They saw people. They didn’t ask who deserved help. They simply chose kindness.
“In the middle of the darkest chapter of my life, they became my light. They reminded me why I survived. They reminded me that no matter how much darkness exists in this world, there is always light if you’re willing to look for it.”
Kim Sawyers gave away $6000: ” I didn’t want his bloody money”.
After Sawyers’ story was published, two people contacted the Herald to thank her for the vouchers they were given.
“I was one of the local women who received a support voucher from her. Even while Kim was enduring two decades of immense trauma and trying to survive, she still managed to look after people like me in our community,” said Tracey Mcmillian.
“I was really struggling the day Kim gifted us; she didn’t know my struggle, nor did she ask; she just said, ‘from my whanau to yours’.
“Her gift allowed me to afford petrol that week and a wee treat for my children.”
Mcmillian said there was a “ripple effect” to Sawyers’ “quiet generosity”.
“A teaching point on how much we overlook, and how you never know what hides behind someone’s smile,” she said.
“I wish I had hugged her that day … Thank you again for giving Kim a voice when the system tried to enforce silence.”
Mcmillian has started a fundraising page to help Sawyers, who has struggled to work, and with many other areas of her life, as a direct result of the offending.
“Because she protected us when she was at her lowest, the community wants to protect and support her now,” the woman explained.
“To help Kim rebuild her life, handle ongoing costs, and find some financial relief, I have officially set up a Givealittle page for her … so everyday New Zealanders have a direct way to stand with Kim.”
A man who received a voucher from Sawyers and her family also spoke to the Herald.
“My wife, our children, and I were among the families Kim quietly helped when she gifted us a voucher. At the time, she didn’t ask for recognition or expect anything in return — she simply wanted to help,” he said.
“Seeing her story has reminded us of that kindness, and I wanted you to know that the compassion she’s shown extends far beyond what people are seeing in the headlines.
“Our family was really struggling, and her generosity made a real difference. Reading the horrific reason as to why she was handing out those vouchers makes her kindness even more amazing.
“She is one courageous lady. Please let Kim know she’s not alone and has friends in us for life.”
A recipient of Kim Sawyers’ generosity now wants to give back to her.
Sawyers was heartened to hear from the people who received vouchers.
“This is fast becoming the most healing part of my story. For so long it was only about what was taken from me, but now it’s becoming about what it’s giving back,” she said.
“I’ve had survivors reach out to me, family members of survivors reach out, and so many messages from complete strangers.
“It genuinely feels like New Zealand is behind me, and I never imagined I’d be able to say that … That honestly means more than you know.
“Knowing that speaking out is making a difference and helping other people feel seen, or find the courage to come forward has given my story a purpose I never thought it could have.”
The Givealittle page is live and can be found here.
On the page, Mcmillian says of Sawyers:
“She is doing everything she can to hold things together, but it’s been incredibly tough.
“They have no vehicle after it was transferred out of her name and Police took the plates.
“I’ve set up a Givealittle to help with essentials, transport, and basic stability for the kids. If you can help or share, thank you.
“Let’s show her we heard her voice, and she’s not alone.”
Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers Christchurch issues and national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence and homicides. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz.