The family of Tom Coombes have released striking photos of a paddle-out at his funeral last week.
Last month 25-year-old Thomas Coombes was found dead in Roy Clements Treeways, Mount Albert.
Police believe a knife was used in the "brutal attack" where Coombes sustained multiple injuries. A man has been charged with his murder.
On Tuesday police released images from Coombes' funeral on behalf of his family.
Police said more than 700 people gathered for his funeral at Bethells Beach last Tuesday.
Images from the funeral show more than a dozen surfers gathered in a circle in the ocean paying tribute.
His mother Rowena Coombes said her son was a "young man who followed his dreams".
"We want his life to inspire other young people to do the same," she said.
At the funeral Coombes' father Murray thanked police for their work.
“We can’t speak highly enough of the police. We want the public to know what an incredible job they have done. They deserve a lot of recognition," he said.
The man accused of Coombes' murder was due to appear in Auckland District Court last Monday but was excused by the judge Nevin Dawson because he was "acutely unwell".
His lawyer Raewyn McCausland asked for his attendance to be excused and remanded without plea.
McCausland also asked for name suppression because of the man's health. Judge Dawson granted him name suppression until his appearance in the High Court in June.
A Givealittle page set up for Coombes has raised more than $18,000 so far.
The money will go towards paying off his student loan, creating a memorial and helping his family pay for the funeral.
