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There's been an emotional farewell in Napier on Wednesday, for the policeman killed in the fatal shooting last week.
Around 2000 people turned up to show their respects to Officer Len Snee, who after 30 years in the police force, was killed in the line of duty.
The funeral for Officer Snee was held at the Municipal Theatre, where he was remembered as a true hero.
The casket was carried into the theatre by six family members and was covered by a New Zealand flag.
Police chaplain Trevor Harrison spoke of Snee as a quite and modest man while Joe and Sam Snee described their dad as a man they looked up to and aspired to be.
Prime Minister John Key, Police Minister Judith Collins and Police Commissioner Howard Broad are all at the service and the ceremony began with an apology to Snee who friends and family say would not have expected the "fuss" being made of him.
"For you were such a quiet, unassuming, modest man and I know you'd be so embarrassed by all this," Harrison said.
A photo tribute of Snee's life showed him in his family and work life as well as enjoying time with friends and on the rugby field.
Constable Snee's sons Sam and Joe kept their tribute to their father brief, but it was a heartfelt speech from two young men whose father had a tremendous influence on them.
"Many men are strong but unlike our father few men are capable of mixing the perfect amount of strength and gentleness," they said.
They said they admired, respected and looked up to their father, who they could talk to about anything.
"It is his loving security and calmness that has given us the strength to stand up here today and move forward."
Brian Morris, Len Snee's cousin and friend, thanked people for the messages of love, support and condolences expressed, saying they are all a measure of the type of man Len was.
Through the tears, also some smiles.
"You always had a way of knowing when mum was baking cookies. And we always knew when Uncle Len would come to visit...there were no cookies left in the jar," said Bianca Snee, Len's niece.
Police commissioner Howard Broad also paid his respects to Constable Snee.
Commissioner Broad spoke about Len Snee's career as an officer for more than 30 years, saying he wore the uniform with pride and honour and his determination and dedication will be missed terribly.
"He was straight down the middle, he said it as it was...when ten words would do, he used five," he said.
Broad says Snee and the other injured officers are all heroes.
Police officers and 25 dogs held a guard of honour as the casket left the theatre, which also included Constable Grant Diver in his hospital bed.
The funeral finished with a moving haka from family members.
Snee is the 29th officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Were you there during the procession for Senior Constable
Len Snee? Share your images with us. Send to
Interactivenews@tvnz.co.nz
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