Motel death: Victim died of head injuries

Ihaia Gillman-Harris (right) with his nephew Ihaia Harris.

Police have confirmed that a man attacked at an Auckland motel died of head injuries.

The investigation into the death of Ihaia Gillman-Harris, 54, continued today and a post-mortem examination was carried out which was confirmed he died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Mr Gillman-Harris died in hospital after being violently assaulted at the Ascot Epsom Motel on Saturday morning.

Police are hunting for two men who checked in with Mr Gillman-Harris about 8am on Saturday. They were captured on the motel's CCTV system and appeared to be younger, wearing baseball caps and hoodies.

They were later seen leaving the motel in Mr Gillman-Harris's blue Range Rover Vogue shortly before Mr Gillman-Harris approached motel staff asking for help.

Police would not comment today on whether any weapons were used in the attack but continued to appeal for more information about the two men seen leaving the motel room.

"We have received a lot of information from members of the public regarding the identity of the two people shown on CCTV, as well as some important background on Mr Gillman-Harris's life," Detective Inspector Scott Beard said.

"We'll be looking to put all this information together in the next stage of the investigation."

Mr Gillman-Harris's nephew condemned his uncle's alleged attackers on social media.

Ihaia Harris posted on Facebook last night, saying it was only a matter of months ago that he saw his uncle.

"Unbeknown to us that you would be taken away from us in such a cold blooded and cowardly way by the hand of wicked men.

"Please forgive me for not being there to protect you. May you be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven with open arms by God, to be reunited with your mother, father and brother, our Nanny, Koro and Uncle Mita, as well as our ancestors who have gone before you.

"Justice will be served for the criminals who found it their right to take your life. However Uncle, as fair judgement is brought down upon these cowards by the laws of our country, your whanau and friends will bid you farewell with the honor and dignity that you deserve.

"Arohanui nui tonu kia koe e Maatua! Haere ki te waa kainga. Haere ki te kainga tuturu o to tatou mate, me to tatou tipuna. Haere, haere, haere. Moe mai raa."

Anyone else who may be able to assist with the homicide investigation was asked to contact police on 09 302 6400 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.