Friends, family plan Kevin Smith tribute

Friends and colleagues of actor Kevin Smith, who died in China last week, are planning a special farewell for him in Auckland.

The 38-year-old actor died from head injuries after falling from a tower on a film set.

Auckland Theatre Company producer Simon Prast says friends and colleagues of the actor will hold a farewell tribute at the Aotea Centre on Thursday.

Mr Prast says there will be speeches and songs and the screening of a compilation of the actor's film and television work.

He says Kevin Smith's fans are invited to join the tribute at 4 pm.

Meanwhile his family is believed to be bringing his body back to his home town of Timaru for a private funeral.