Family and friends today farewelled hero Austin Hemmings, stabbed to death in Auckland's CBD last week while going to the aid of a woman being attacked.
Emotions ran high as tributes were paid to the 44-year-old father of three as a wonderful husband and father as well as a good samaritan.
More than 1000 mourners packed into Devonport's Holy Trinity Church, with others watching the service on CCTV link at the nearby parish hall.
Mr Hemmings died shortly after being stabbed in the chest outside his place of work in downtown Auckland last Thursday after he went to help a woman being attacked by a man.
Mr Hemmings' widow Jenny was among those who paid tribute to him, telling the congregation many people had approached her and asked what they could do.
"Please write to me and tell me please that Austin has changed you."
Mrs Hemmings thanked the people of New Zealand for their "heartfelt prayers" and messages.
Mr Hemmings' brother Craig described him as "a hero".
He thanked police, the New Zealand public and all those who attended the funeral.
He described his brother as a man devoted to his family, his religion and work.
Mr Hemmings' daughter, Jessica, 17, said her deeply religious father prayed every day for his family and the people of New Zealand.
"Seeing everyone here today, my Dad's prayers got answered.
"He gave love, hugs, friendship and, in the end, his life."
Before the service, a huge projector screen showed images of Mr Hemmings' life, including family shots of his Matamata farm and the beach house.
A remembrance book has been set up and 44 doves were released after the service, one to mark each year of Mr Hemmings' life.
Tomorrow a mobile police station will return to the crime scene in the hope of uncovering more details about what happened immediately before and after the attack.
Police said they had found two knives near where Mr Hemmings collapsed and died and they believe one of them was probably used in the attack.
Armed police arrested a 45-year-old man at his Otara home hours after the killing and charged him with assaulting the woman Mr Hemmings tried to help.
He appeared in Auckland District Court and was remanded in custody until later this month when he is expected to face a murder charge.
