The Prime Minister was among the dozens of people who packed a funeral home in Auckland to remember the slain dairy worker.
Janak Patel was fatally stabbed multiple times in the street after following a man who allegedly took the cash register drawer from Rose Cottage Superette in Sandringham on Wednesday night.
Along with friends and family of Patel, Jacinda Ardern also attended the service, which was also open to the public.
The room was so full that people had to stand in the entranceway to the funeral home and were forced to stand outside to pay their respects.
During the service, Patel was described as a brother, a cousin, a friend, and a beautiful soul who was taken too soon.
Vigils continue to take place around the country and one was held in Hamilton
"The whole nation is behind us this time, because it's a death and it's going to happen again," one member of the public said.
Another said: "I've been associated with the industry for over 20 years of time but it has never been worse."
The Rose Cottage Superette has now been turned into a place of remembrance and a candlelight vigil was held there on Saturday night. Members of the public lined the surrounding street, with some holding loved ones close while neighbours looked on from afar.
The President of the Migrant Workers Association told the crowd the "tough on crime" narrative doesn't cut it.
"If it was a deterrent enough to put people behind bars and send them to jail for life, you would only have to do that once to one person and people would never offend again," Anu Kaloti said.
"I feel that's not the ultimate solution to this problem. There needs to be a deep thorough review into why we have come to this point in our society."
Cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss options regarding crime prevention.
"I hope they don't window-dress the issue. I really hope they get into the substance of it and actually come forward with something serious about making sure the consequences for serious offenders, repeat serious offenders, is strong," National Party leader Christopher Luxon said.
While Cabinet meets on Monday, dairy workers around the country will be sending a strong message to the Government.
"Enough is enough," Dairy and Business Owners Group chairperson Sunny Kaushal said.
Businesses will close their shops and stand outside from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
A larger vigil will take place at the same time in front of the Prime Minister's electorate office in Mt Albert.
"As we understand, there are very high emotions and anger out in the community. Tomorrow's vigil, people want to see it peaceful and it's dignified," Kaushal said.
A call to the community, which is one that has rallied around Patel's family as they remember the life of their loved one and say their goodbyes.
