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The execution-style shooting of a Papatoetoe man has dealt a double-blow to the victim's family, who only recently lost their matriarch.
John Maeva, the father and stepfather of six children, was shot in the back of his head, neck and torso as he was about to enter his
Park Ave home early on Sunday.
The 25-year-old's partner, who is pregnant with their second child together, was inside at the time and after hearing the shots ran outside to find him.
A family spokeswoman, Tua Huri, said Mr Maeva was much loved by his wider family.
"The family are doubly hurting. It is one month since our family matriarch, John's grandmother, died. He used to be a caregiver for his grandmother. To be experiencing the loss of John so soon after our grandmother hurts."
A post-mortem examination yesterday found that Mr Maeva, whose children range in age from 1 to 13 years, had been shot with a .22 calibre firearm. His body has been returned to his family.
Detective Inspector John Tims, crime manager for Counties Manukau police, said staff had spoken to a number of people over the past two days and believed there was a connection between Mr Maeva and the killer.
He said officers were following up positive leads and were confident of making an arrest soon.
The killer is described as a male Maori, of medium to solid build, aged about 30, 170cm tall with short hair.
And police were yesterday able to talk to the victim of another shooting in South Auckland at the weekend.
The 15-year-old boy was walking along Windrush Close in Mangere when he was shot in the leg by a man who had pulled a weapon out of the boot of a car.
The boy is recovering in Middlemore Hospital from non life-threatening injuries.
Detective Inspector Mark Gutry said police were following leads after speaking with witnesses and members of the public.
Meanwhile, a 19-year-old with severe head injuries found unconscious at netball courts in Papakura on Sunday morning was still in a critical condition yesterday.
"We have been interviewing witnesses," Mr Gutry said, "and gaining a better understanding of the victim's movements throughout last Saturday evening and early on Sunday morning."
