Shocked family grieve for 'typical Kiwi guy'

Wayne Francis McLaughlin. Photo / Supplied

The grieving family of a prominent Porirua businessman who was killed in a motorbike accident have paid tribute to the "typical Kiwi guy."

Father of two Wayne Francis McLaughlin was travelling north on the Wellington Urban Motorway when he came off his Kawasaki road bike near the Aotea on-ramp on Friday.

Police were called by a member of the public just before 6.30pm who said there was a man lying unconscious on the ground.

"At this stage exactly why that happened is yet to be determined and will be a matter for the coroner," said Wellington police sergeant Mark Moody.

No one else was hurt in the crash.

McLaughlin was the sales manager for the ECN Group, a technology company.

McLaughlin's younger brother Keith said the family had been left devastated by his death.

He said: "He enjoyed life. He had a zest for life - he was just a typical New Zealand guy.

"He was very motivated and very caring about people. The sort of guy that most of us would like to have as a father and brother."

McLaughlin was one of five brothers and left behind wife Dawn, two children and three grandchildren.

Kevin said the family were gathering from round the country.

"The family are devastated. They're just pulling together through the grieving period.

"A sudden tragic accident like this is a shock to everyone. The family are struggling to come to terms with it."

McLaughlin had a passion for motorbikes and other gadgets all his life.

"Ever since I remembered him as a teen he enjoyed riding bikes," said Keith.

But McLaughlin was never a "hoon".

"He was very responsible. I would not describe him as a hoon or a renegade.

"Wayne in his own right was a respected businessman in Wellington.

"He was very much into technology. Very innovative. He was very tech-savvy."

Friend Michael Slee said he first met McLaughlin 20 years ago in business.

He learned of the accident yesterday morning when McLaughlin's son sent a message to say that something had happened.

"I knew straight away what it must be. It has come as such a shock, I don't think it has actually settled in yet.

"He was a good friend and strong businessman. It has come as quite a blow.

"I have known him in all sorts of capacities, a friend, a client, a business partner.

"I have hardly ever seen him angry, he was a very calm person. So positive and optimistic, he could always see the good side to things.

"That positive attraction to life made him the core of his family.

"My thoughts go to them now. He had a very family oriented life."