Thousands of people have attended the funeral of Navtej Singh, the South Auckland liquor store owner who was fatally shot during an armed robbery at the weekend.
Three men appeared in court on Thursday charged in relation with his murder and were remanded in custody until a pre-depositions hearing next month.
More than a thousand people packed into the service where the dead man's father spoke in Punjabi of his son's love for New Zealand. He then translated his thoughts through an English speaking friend.
"The people of New Zealand are the nicest in the world but there are a few criminals who have to be looked after," he said.
The farewell for Singh was emotional especially as people filed past his casket and left flowers. As the hearse arrived at the service, his wife was crying and needed to be held up by family.
Following the funeral police released a statement on behalf of Singh's family.
In it they thanked the community and police for their support in a very difficult time.
"We would also like to thank all the people that feel for us," the statement said.
The family said they are pleased with the outcome of the police inquiry and are confident that they will get justice.
In a double tragedy, the grandfather of Singh's widow has also died. His family say he went into shock after being told about Singh's death.
"The family is trying to cope with two deaths now and they are grieving and speechless."
