Kaitāia homicide: Northlanders invited to remember businessman Monty Knight

Monty Knight, left, pictured with then-fellow Northland Regional Councillor Dover Samuels on Te Oneroa-a-Tohe/Ninety Mile Beach in 2016. Photo / NRC

The Far North community is being invited to a public memorial for Kaitāia businessman Monty Knight, who was allegedly murdered on Sunday.

The well-known retailer, winegrower and former councillor was found with critical injuries at an Okahu Rd address and could not be saved by emergency services.

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In a brief obituary, Knight’s family said the 80-year-old was survived by his “loving partner of 20 years, Charmaine”.

“Treasured dad, friend and Poppa of Karren and Bob O’Carroll, Paula, Adeline and Dion, Kurt and Carter. Cherished friend of Dane, Shannon and Kyle. Adored Poppa Monty to all his grandchildren,” the notice read.

The family were planning a private farewell but invited the community to a public memorial at Kaitāia’s Te Ahu Centre on Wednesday, November 26 from 11am.

This would provide a “chance for everyone to gather, remember and reflect together”, with everyone welcome, the obituary read.

“In lieu of flowers please donate to the Kaitāia Lions Club, in support of our local organisations.”

Among those paying tribute to Knight was Northland Regional Council chairman Pita Tipene, who recognised his business acumen over many years as a retailer in several fields, including jewellery, and as a winemaker.

Knight represented his community with stints on the Northland Regional Council and Far North District Council.

Monty Knight, whose full name is Alister Montgomery Knight, spearheaded winemaking in the Far North, as well as running retail and jewellery businesses in Kaitāia.

He represented the constituency of Te Hiku from February 2015, after being elected in a byelection following the death of former councillor Dennis Bowman, Tipene said.

His roles included serving as one of two council appointees to the then-new Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe beach board.

Tipene said Knight was remembered as a public-minded and down-to-earth person, who cared deeply about his local community.

“Monty was a genuinely nice human being who served his people with passion and commitment.”

Knight was also not afraid to back himself, as evidenced by his successful move into winemaking at Okahu Estate in the 1980s, something sceptics had thought would be impossible.

“On behalf of Northland Regional Council and its ratepayers, I’d like to acknowledge Monty for his exemplary service to the people,” Tipene said.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.