Relatives of Darcy Strickland, who was beaten to death last night, told the New Zealand Herald this morning he was "a good man" and "this hurts".
"We are all going to miss him."
"Every day I would get his loving arms wrapped around me [yes he had extra long arms] and with his soft eyes 'mōrena aunty', kiss on the cheek and giggles.
"This one really, really hurts.
"He was a gentle giant, a cuddly teddy bear an absolutely beautiful human being, a beloved son of God, loved moko, son, brother, nephew, and a friend.
"We love him and are gutted by this cowardly act."
His first cousin Rangitiaho described him as "a superstar and champion to tamariki at kura".
"All he had to do was dunk the hoop and he was famous. But to some of them, he truly is their hero."
Brother Jermaine Harris Strickland said his brother was a good man and they were all going to miss him.
"This hurts."
Police were called to Ramsay Crescent about 11.45pm on Thursday after two people were found injured outside an address.
One person died at the scene. The other was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Police were working to establish the circumstances of what has occurred and how the pair came to be injured, they said in a statement.
A scene examination will take place at the property today. Residents will notice an increased Police presence in the area.
Police were also asking anyone with information to come forward and share it by calling 105, quoting event number P052230650.
Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
