Shepherd was off duty and walking a family member’s two dogs in Helena Bay, north of Whangārei, on Saturday afternoon when a car reportedly hit a powerpole and then her.
The Advocate understands the dogs were injured but had survived. They are currently being cared for by family.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Colleagues, dressed in full police uniform, and friends packed into the chapel at Haven Falls today to honour the 49-year-old, who had worked as a police officer for 17 years.
Before transferring to Houhora - New Zealand’s northernmost police station - at the start of the year, she was the sole constable in Kohukohu in the Far North and initially policed in Whangārei.
“I’m still in disbelief about my friend,” a coworker and close friend of Shepherd said.
Officers wiped their tears as the friend recounted how Shepherd had been “quite the character”.
Northland Police District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj said the police family will remember Shepherd as a wonderful friend and a “very experienced” frontline officer.
“Gail’s death is a huge loss for her family, friends and Police colleagues. She was a much-loved mother, grandmother and friend to so many and those who had the privilege of knowing her will feel her loss immensely.”
Srhoj said Shepherd had spent almost 10 years at the helm of the Waka Tētē o te Whānau Moana. And the police’s priority remains in supporting her whānau at this tragic time.
Shepherd (Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Hauā) is now on her way to her marae near Cape Rēinga.
She will travel to the family home at Te Kao, 60km north of Kaitāia, and from there to Pōtahi Marae for her tangihanga. The details of which are yet to be determined.
Shepherd will be buried in the family urupā, Tutumaio.
