Family man would do everything to help others

Hiren Mohini with his wife Falguni, left, mother Vasantiben and daughters Yashvi (5) and Hetvi (3 ). Photo / Supplied

Hiren Mohini was a man who had a smile for everyone and worked hard so his family could have a better life.

Friends and colleagues said yesterday he would do everything for his young family. His wife, Falguni, doesn't drive so he would often come home from a night shift, sleep for three hours, then drop his 3-year-old daughter, Hetvi, at kindy. It wouldn't be unusual for him to then take his older daughter, Yashvi, 5, to school and to do the shopping for the family.

Bipin Tavadia told the Herald his friend was a kind-hearted, gentle man who wanted only the best for his family.

"He was a dedicated family man, a very good husband and father. He would do whatever he could for anyone."

The 39-year-old regularly chipped in when a customer couldn't pay a fare and would never have chased after one.

"That's what I can't understand. This person who did this ... is a cold-blooded killer, because [Mr Mohini] wouldn't have argued, or put up a fight, he would have let them have it. He never used to get angry. This person might as well have murdered five people - I don't know what they will do," he said, in tears. "I don't know if he had insurance, or savings. He helped his sister [financially] in India and was always doing whatever he could to help others."

Mr Mohini's father died last year and his mother, who lives with the family, has been unwell and recently had surgery at Auckland Hospital.

He lived with Mr Tavadia for a short time after coming to New Zealand from Gujarat, India in 2003 and joined Auckland Co-op taxis three years ago after spending some time working for Green Acres mowing lawns.

He became a taxi driver after Mr Tavadia and others convinced him to to do it. "We told him to get a taxi, that it was ok. I guess that was the wrong advice," he said sadly.

Before he started his shift on Saturday night, Mr Mohini had dinner with his family at their Mt Roskill home. About 8.30pm he left for work and was expected home about 2am or 3am. When he hadn't arrived home by 4.45am, his wife tried calling him on his cellphone. There was no reply.

He normally let her know if he was working late and she hoped he was just too busy to call. Mr Mohini's cousin said last night the family were distraught and unable to speak about their loss. Family in India were preparing to come to New Zealand for the funeral.

Auckland Co-op taxis chairman Ian Graham said the society was deeply saddened by his death.

"The company is shocked and angry that a young family man working hard to provide for his family was taken in such a senseless act of violence."