Stabbing victim's family visit murder scene

Austin Bernard Hemmings worked as a broker manager for IAG. Photo / Supplied

Grieving family members of slain businessman Austin Bernard Hemmings today visited the scene of his murder in central Auckland and helped load his body into a hearse.

They had been kept from the body for 20 hours after the 44-year-old Devonport resident and IAG broker manager was fatally stabbed while going to the aid of a woman who had allegedly been punched in the face.

After being given access to the police tent which covered Mr Hemmings' body, his family covered their eyes to hide their grief, hugged each other and cried.

After a few minutes they helped pick up the grey body bag inside the tent, put it on a stretcher and then wheeled it to a hearse.

The family learnt of the tragedy when paramedics called them using the ICE (in case of emergency) system programmed into Mr Hemmings' cellphone and arrived at the scene in less than an hour.

At a media conference this morning, Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley paid tribute to those who helped.

"There were a lot of heroes here that showed that community-minded spirit," he said.

Mr Whitley also described Mr Hemmings' actions as "heroic".

"Mr Hemmings was asked by a person - who knew the man charged - for assistance. Like most able bodied, community minded, spirited men, Mr Hemmings went to her assistance," he said.

Mr Whitley said the father of three had no idea the situation would turn violent.

Mr Hemmings moved from Hamilton to Auckland six months ago with his wife and children.

Mr Whitley said the Hemmings were an "amazing beautiful family" who were experiencing "total devastation".

"I'm struggling to really describe the total grief they're going through," he said.

Mr Whitley told reporters paramedics had informed the family of Mr Hemmings' injuries to gain information about his medical history.

Family members then rushed to the scene but arrived after Mr Hemmings had passed away.

Mr Whitley said "there was nothing they could do to save him".

'Caring family man'