A Givealittle has been started in honour of the police officer slain in west Auckland on Friday.
Constable Matthew Hunt was shot dead in the suburb of Massey during a routine traffic stop. Now, an online fundraiser has been opened in his memory.
"I have personally been in contact with the New Zealand Police Association [NZPA], they have allowed me to donate funds into their BNZ Bank account that all proceeds received on this platform will go," the page's author, Sergei Turnbull says.
"These generous donations will be directly debited to the BNZ account of the NZPA once the fundraiser has been completed.
"The donations will be going towards the families of those affected by this terrible terrible incident."
Hunt's family released a statement on Saturday morning saying he was a person of "great integrity".
"His closest friends were like his brothers and sisters and they along with his family are absolutely heartbroken by what has happened.
"He was passionate about sport and his physical fitness and was thrilled to enjoy the recent Blues game at Eden Park with his mates," his family said.
Hunt attended Orewa College, after being raised on the Hibiscus Coast by his mother Diane with his sister Eleanor. His family said he always dreamed of being a police officer.
So far, nearly $17,000 has been raised in just two days and the page has been inundated with messages.
"You were a hero to so many. Will never forget you Matty. Thanks for being one of the best mates anyone could ask for. Love you mate," one person wrote.
"Stand down Matt. You served with honour. Rest easy. Brother in Blue," another said.
The donations close on July 3, 2020.
"I encourage you to share the link, and to donate what you can. Every little bit helps," Turnbull says.
