The nephew of a man who died after being attacked at an Auckland motel on Saturday has condemned his uncle's alleged attackers.
Ihaia Gillman-Harris, 54, died in hospital after being violently assaulted at the Ascot Epsom Motel on Saturday morning.
Police are hunting for two men who checked in with Mr Gillman-Harris about 8am on Saturday, who were captured on the motel's CCTV system and appear to be younger, wearing baseball caps and hoodies.
They were later seen leaving the motel in Mr Gillman-Harris' blue Range Rover Vogue shortly before Mr Gillman-Harris approached motel staff asking for help.
His nephew Ihaia Harris today posted a tribute to Facebook last night saying it was only a matter of months ago that he saw him.
"Unbeknown to us that you would be taken away from us in such a cold blooded and cowardly way by the hand of wicked men.
"Please forgive me for not being there to protect you. May you be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven with open arms by God, to be reunited with your mother, father and brother, our Nanny, Koro and Uncle Mita, as well as our ancestors who have gone before you.
"Justice will be served for the criminals who found it their right to take your life. However Uncle, as fair judgement is brought down upon these cowards by the laws of our country, your whanau and friends will bid you farewell with the honor and dignity that you deserve.
"Arohanui nui tonu kia koe e Maatua! Haere ki te waa kainga. Haere ki te kainga tuturu o to tatou mate, me to tatou tipuna. Haere, haere, haere. Moe mai raa."
A post-mortem examination on Mr Gillman-Harris is due to be carried out today.
NZME.
