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Halatau Naitoko has been farewelled in a traditional Tongan funeral, a week to the day after he was caught in the crossfire as police chased an armed man through Auckland.
More than 1000 mourners paid their respects to the 17 year-old, at the family home in south Auckland, some arriving as early as 5:30am.
Prayer services have been held every night this week at the family's home, and the funeral was in keeping with Tongan tradition and a celebration of his life.
"A week ago the blood of an innocent boy was shed," one of five ministers officiating at the service told mourners.
"He's dead but he is still speaking to us today."
Halatau's brother, Paea Fangu Fangu, 16, struggled with his emotions as he stood by the body of his brother.
He says today is a day of great sadness. "I am feeling very sad. I just want to speak to the person that killed my brother and asked him why he took my brother away from us."
Just hours before giving birth to a new baby, Halatau's mother, Ivoni Fuimaono wept as she said goodbye to her son.
She will name the new baby Halatau, after his dead brother.
Family members gave moving speeches during the service, saying that Halatau was "killed in the line of duty, duty to his family."
Mourners were told Halatau worked hard to help feed his brothers and sisters.
They were told he was a hard-working, loyal, faithful, truthful, respectful and a loving child, and a good father to his daughter.
His aunty says that his girlfriend Stephanie Cook and his baby were his dream. He had a loving heart and much compassion and hope for the future.
Halatau's body, dressed in white, has been at the family home since Sunday night, accompanied around the clock by family members, relatives and friends.
Many mourners wore traditional ta'ovala, a woven Tongan flax dress, and black T-shirts.
On the front of the T-shirts was the message: "In loving memory of Halatau Kianamanu Naitoko. May he rest in peace."
On the back was a picture of him with the words: "May he rest in Paradise, 1991-2009."
Among the mourners were Police Commissioner Howard Broad, Police Minister Judith Collins, Manukau Mayor Len Brown, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples and other politicians.
The road on which the family lives had to be closed off, open only to residence of the street and people attending the funeral by foot.
Stephen McDonald, 50, has been charged with 29 offences including 10 of using a firearm against police and is due back in Auckland District Court next week.
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