Ayla Collins' recovery from the car crash that killed her parents a year ago has been inspirational, her family say.

Ayla, now 14 months, has been in New Zealand for nearly two weeks, on her first visit to her late father Jerry's homeland.

She is accompanied by her late mother Alana Madill's parents, Darrell and Ruth, who are raising her in Canada, as well as Alana's two sisters, Nora and Brenna.

MAARTEN HOLL/ FAIRFAX NZ Danika Madill, Ayla's cousin, tackles a Paremata-Plimmerton player. Seven-year-old Danika had never played rugby before.

They have gathered in Porirua, along with the Collins family, this weekend to share memories of their beloved son and daughter, who died last June 5 in a crash in southern France in which Ayla was critically injured.

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"Ayla's progress in her recovery from serious injuries continues to be inspiring," the two families said in a written statement on Friday.

GETTY IMAGES Former All Black Jerry Collins was killed in a car crash a year ago that also claimed the life of partner Alana Madill.

"She is cherished by both families and, in celebrating her life together, both families keep the memories of her parents alive and vibrant."

Rugby has been firmly on the Madills' agenda since their arrival in New Zealand.

On Friday evening, Ayla and her extended family sat bundled up in the Jerry Collins Stadium as Ayla's 7-year-old Canadian cousin, Danika, pulled on a Norths rugby jersey to join an under-9s team for her first game of rugby.

SUPPLIED Alana Madill with Ayla.

"I'm pretty proud of her," Alana's father Darrell Madill said, as he watched his granddaughter play on the same field where Collins cut his teeth.

"She loves sports, and this is a memory she will never forget."

It was the second time Darrell Madill had set foot on Porirua Park. The first was for Collins' funeral last year.

Jerry Collins with baby Ayla Collins.

"It's pretty special to be here," he said.

After the game the family, including Collins' uncle Dave, headed into the Norths clubroom, where a black and white print of a grinning Jerry hung over their heads.

Ayla also visited Porirua Park a week ago, and the family attended the Hurricanes' winning game against the Highlanders at Westpac Stadium.

MAARTEN HOLL/ FAIRFAX NZ Darrell Madill, Alana's father, at Jerry Collins Stadium on Friday night.

The Collins and Madill families said they were deeply grateful for the love and support from people everywhere towards them and Ayla, and the memories of Jerry and Alana.

On Saturday, the families will hold an unveiling of a headstone at Collins' grave at Whenua Tapu cemetery, with rugby stars from around the world likely to attend.

It will be followed by a lunch at Collins' beloved Northern United Rugby Football Club at Porirua Park, which is holding its Old Timers weekend to mark the first anniversary of his death.