The latest news on fatal stabbing of Auckland businessman Austin Hemmings.

Austin Hemmings (inset) was stabbed on Mills Lane in Auckland's CBD. Photos / Glenn Jeffrey, supplied

Austin Hemmings (inset) was stabbed on Mills Lane in Auckland's CBD. Photos / Glenn Jeffrey, supplied

1.00pm: Police have singled out for praise the quick thinking of doctors, nurses and paramedics who rushed to help Mr Hemmings.

At a police press conference Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley said, "there are a lot of heroes here". He said doctors and nurses from a nearby medical surgery had rushed out to try to help Mr Hemmings after he had been stabbed but had been unable to save him.

12.06pm: Head of NZI Karl Armstrong says the thoughts of the company are with Mr Hemmings' family.

He tells Newstalk ZB: "He was a kind, caring and genuine person with extremely strong personal values, first and foremost a family man. So to a degree it comes as no surprise to us that he went to the aid of someone in distress, that's the kind of person he was."

11.52am: At a press conference near the scene this morning, police describe Austin Hemmings' actions as "heroic" and praise a passer-by who tried to perform CPR.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley says Mr Hemmings' "amazing beautiful family" is experiencing "total devastation".

He praises those who helped at the scene: "There were a lot of heroes here that showed that community-minded spirit."

11.35am: Prime Minister Helen Clark tells the Herald the fatal stabbing of Mr Hemmings is "atrocious".

"For an innocent person who went to a woman's aid to be fatally stabbed like this is absolutely atrocious.

"It is very shocking, and quite unusual in that area. I certainly wouldn't want to see people afraid of coming into the city because of it."

11am: A spokesman for the company where Mr Hemmings worked, IAG, says the company will make a statement about him today.

It is currently speaking staff about the devastating news, a company spokesman says.

10.50am: Police say the forensic investigation of Mills Lane, Auckland Central, where Mr Hemmings was stabbed should continue all day.

The lane, running near Queen St, will be closed.

10.45am: A police spokesman says Mr Hemmings' family is more than devastated by his death.

"It is everyone's worst nightmare come true."

10.40am: Police reveal they are investigating four scenes around Auckland after last night's stabbing.