Slain cop's body returns home to NZ

Friends, family and colleagues gather at Auckland airport. Photo / Herald On Sunday Michael Craig

Dozens of mourners gathered at Auckland Airport to welcome murdered policeman Kali Fungavaka's body home.

Mourners wept as Fungavaka's body arrived on an Air New Zealand NZ273 from Tonga just after 1.30pm.

Police had joined Fungavaka's family and members of the Tongan community, who were dressed in black and in the traditional ta'ovala mat.

Police officers at the airport said details around Fungavaka's funeral were yet to be confirmed.

"At the moment we're just talking with the family about what they want to do," a police national headquarters spokesman said.

The south Auckland constable, the holder of one of New Zealand's highest bravery awards, died on Thursday in Tonga after being assaulted in a police cell in Nuku'alofa six days earlier.

Three Tongan men, including two police officers, are due to appear in court again on Monday in relation to the death.