Hundreds of locals have gathered for a karakia in memory of the North Shore man who died following a fatal attack in Auckland.
Following a crash at the intersection of Tramway and Beach Haven Rds on Friday, police believe the driver of one car died after they were assaulted by an occupant of the other car. Joshuah Tasi, 28, was later named by police as the man who died.
On Sunday evening, about 300 Beach Haven locals gathered for a karakia at the Beach Haven Community House.
From there, they walked in total silence to the site where Tasi was killed. There were prayers, and the site was blessed. The crowd then returned to the community house, where waiata was performed and the community then shared a meal.
Two teens, aged 14 and 17, were arrested in the Far North on Saturday morning and charged with Tasi's murder. They are due to appear in the North Shore Youth Court on Monday.
Northcote MP Shanan Halbert told Newshub there's a lot of hard work to do with the community's young people and believes Beach Haven is the suburb on the North Shore that struggles the most with these types of issues.
North Shore-based Auckland Councillor Richard Hills said everyone is "devastated and shocked" by the crime, telling the NZ Herald they are keeping the victim and his family in their minds.
Witnesses to the death said they were traumatised as they watch him die, with one telling RNZ it appeared the victim had been stabbed.
"It was awful, absolutely awful. This is an amazing community, people look out for each other, so this is pretty blimming shocking."
Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. They can call Police on 105 or fill out a report online at 105.police.govt.nz using 'Update Report' and referencing 230303/8841.
Additionally, anyone with CCTV cameras or dash cameras is asked to review their footage and contact Police if it shows a black BMW, registration number CTC411, on or near Tramway Road and Rangatira Road in Beach Haven, and Roberts Road in Glenfield, between 6pm and 9pm on Friday, March 3.
