An aunt of the 26-year-old man who was fatally shot in Papakura on Saturday morning has remembered her nephew as a loving partner and doting father.
Shon Tyson Wanahi died from the injuries he sustained during a shooting outside the Papakura Railway Station around 1:15am on Saturday.
A second man also suffered serious injuries from the attack.
Speaking to Newshub late last night, Maria Laupama shared some of her fondest memories in a tribute to the victim.
"When he left our hometown Hawera last year he was expecting his third baby with his beautiful partner.
"Us whanau (sic) back here in Hawera were so happy he was going back to his whanau to get his life together with those whom he loved."
Ms Laupama said Mr Wanahi was a man children loved to be around, and would never walk past people without acknowledging them.
"My heart is so sad for his siblings. They are so close.
"Through the good, the bad and the ugly they always make up. Always look out for each other."
Mr Wanahi's body is expected to be returned to Taiporohenui Marae in south Taranaki today.
Ms Laupama says she's been amazed at the number of pictures Mr Wanahi's friends and family have been sharing on social media.
"My memories of him is the baby who had tight socks on, and his fat, chubby little legs got marked by them.
"I can still picture my late mother, Thelma, and my dad putting a hat on his head so he could hide his gorgeous face."
Ms Laupama is also thanking people in both Papakura and Taranaki who have offered their support.
A 28-year-old man charged with murder in relation to the incident is due to appear in the Manukau District Court this morning.
Newshub.
