Richard Samuels, who lived in Maraetai, on Auckland's east coast, with his wife Alaina and their children, was hit by a car during a confrontation with another man in the carpark outside the 123 Casino Karaoke Bar in Howick about 2.15am on Saturday.
Friends and family - dozens of whom were gathered at the Samuels' home to pay their respects last night - have described feeling "sick and lost" following the loss of the 41-year-old mechanic.
A relative said they were still processing what had happened.
Mr Samuels' intermediate-aged son Rueben, who attends Maraetai Beach School, yesterday posted on Facebook: "R.I.P dad, you're in a better place."
Mr Samuels was also father to Rosalie and Dominic.
Two days after he was struck and killed, it still wasn't clear what caused the altercation that led a 44-year-man to allegedly run over Mr Samuels, who was nicknamed "Nutta" or "Nutts".
But it is alleged the man, from Botany Downs, drove into Mr Samuels, causing multiple and fatal injuries.
"The injuries seem to be consistent with being struck by a vehicle," Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander said. Contrary to earlier media reports, the pair did not know each other, he said.
Mr Samuels had been out with family and was understood to have been celebrating a family birthday.
"We are still speaking to a number of family members," Mr Alexander said yesterday.
"We are reviewing CCTV footage. We are still working through a number of witnesses and inquiries, which will take us a number of days."
Mr Alexander said the man alleged to have been the car's driver did not hand himself in - as had been reported elsewhere - but was found by police late on Saturday.
"As a result of information from the public and inquiries made by staff, it led us to an address where we found him and the vehicle."
He was arrested on "pre-existing unrelated matters" and will face obtaining by deception charges in the Manukau District Court today. It was not clear what charges he may face in relation to the Howick death, he said.
Michael Spiess, owner of the 123 Casino Karaoke Bar, said he reviewed CCTV footage from inside the bar from the night. "There was no indication that something would happen until the guy got run over. There was no indication there was a problem or would be a problem," Mr Spiess said.
"He came in with his family to have a good time ... It's just a tragedy what happened."
Last night, a heart-shaped balloon with "hugs and kisses" written on it and bouquets of flowers with messages about Mr Samuels had been placed at the entrance of the Gooch Place car park where he died.
One of the cards, which appeared to have several messages from different groups of people, said: "Nutts, Richard, my brother, never forget you ever."
The last line, signed from Paula, said: "Love and miss you always uncle Richard".
Another message, placed with a bunch of bright yellow flowers at the spot, said: "RIP Nutts. Forever in our hearts."
Mr Samuels' family had had a long association with Maraetai Beach School.
School chairwoman Alison Brown last night said the school was saddened by the news.
"We have offered our support to the family," she said.
A death notice in today's paper says Mr Samuels' body will be at the family home until Wednesday when a service will be held before he is taken to Parirau Marae, in Matakohe, Northland.
A funeral service would be held at the marae on Thursday.
