He said he was serving his "own life sentence" since the death of his son and although he and his family had suffered from "immeasurable pain" he had forgiven both Pakai and Harrison.
Mr Matalasi told the court it was his wish that both men remained free, so they could learn to live with compassion towards others.
He said he felt sorry for the men's partners, wives and children who would grow up without their fathers.
Mr Matalasi also spoke about his son's children, who would never see their father again.
"These two little innocent boys will never ever be able to address any male they encounter with the word most sons and daughters use - Daddy."
Sio Matalasi was shot dead in August last year at a block of flats on Jackson St in Petone following a confrontation with members of the Mongrel Mob's Petone chapter, Justice Mallon said.
He was not a member of the gang, but was friends with some members of the Petone chapter.
He became involved in the fight between the men and was shot by Pakai with a modified rifle, before the pair left in their car, Justice Mallon said.
