Shot policeman joins tribute to Len Snee

Senior constable Grant Diver lies on a stretcher after yesterday's funeral. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Being confined to a hospital bed did not stop Senior Constable Grant Diver from paying his respects to a fallen mate.

Mr Diver took his place - bed and all - at the end of a police honour guard at yesterday's funeral for slain officer Len Snee.

About 1000 friends and family packed Napier's Municipal Theatre to pay tribute to Senior Constable Snee - shot dead by gunman Jan Molenaar during a routine cannabis raid a week ago today.

Mr Diver was seriously wounded in the attack, as were Senior Constable Bruce Miller and civilian Leonard Holmwood, who remain in hospital.

Napier police chaplain Trevor Harrison began proceedings by apologising to his dead friend.

"You are such a quiet, totally unassuming modest man and I know you would be so embarrassed by all this ... But Lenny, sorry mate, we are doing it to honour you."

Both police and public had their turn remembering Mr Snee, an officer of more than 30 years' experience.

Cousin Arthur Snee said he was a "colossal man who strode through his profession".

Another cousin, Brian Morris, described him as a man "of very little fuss, very few words. I think in the last 30 years [you] and I would probably have said about 10 words," he said, to a ripple of knowing laughter.

Son Joe Snee reckoned his father had been a "perfect mixture of strength and gentleness ... not only a man I admire, respect and look up to, but a man you can talk to and who will listen and understand".

"I just hope that our children will admire us as we admire him. Dad, we love you."

A photo montage allowed mourners to remember Mr Snee in other guises, including husband and football player.

Senior Constable Paul Symonds said his colleague would be remembered by those on both sides of the law.

"We will toast you today, Len. And I even know bad people will, too - such was the mana of you.

"We have grieved for five days. Today we show our pride."

Inspector Mike O'Leary described his long-time mate as a "true legend" and a person who - when playing for "The Legends" veterans rugby sevens team - others "just about needed a crowbar" to remove from the field.

Other mourners included Prime Minister John Key, Police Minister Judith Collins, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples - who has said he regarded Mr Snee as a nephew - and Police Commissioner Howard Broad.

Mr Broad said Mr Snee was not just a hero on the day he died but "a hero every day he went to work".

Police work always held the risk of unexpected harm, he said. "Our officers know that. And in wearing that uniform, our officers accept that. That to me is true heroism."

The commissioner spoke of officers serving overseas who were mourning also. "I know that the New Zealand flag is flying at half mast in Bamiyan Province, Afghanistan, as we attend this service here today."

Mr Broad also paid tribute to Mr Holmwood, who was shot while trying to wrestle the gun from Molenaar.

Outside, hundreds gathered under cloudy Hawkes Bay skies to hear the service via loudspeakers and watch as the funeral procession made its way down Tennyson St.

In the words of Mr Symonds: "Stand down, brother. You have just received your last page. Zero, zero, zero ... You are now on leave."

Police formed a guard of honour as Mr Snee's coffin - bearing the New Zealand Police flag and his police cap - was taken from the building by fellow officers, following a piper.

Outside, about 50 members of Mr Snee's whanau, including Dr Sharples, gave a rousing haka as he was taken through the honour guard, which included 25 police dogs.

As the coffin was placed into the hearse, a police helicopter flew low over the crowd.

Black ribbons had been tied to posts and trees on Napier's main street and many workers wore black for the day. BNZ staff donned black ribbons around their wrists.

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING: NZPA