As police search for clues in the murder
of labourer George Taiaroa, his family have made an emotional plea
asking for anyone with information to come forward.
Mr Taiaroa, 67, was shot dead on March 19 while working a stop-go sign on a one-lane bridge on Tram Rd near Tokoroa.
Police still have few leads in the case, but have spoken to numerous witnesses.
Detective Inspector Tim Anderson says a motive still had not been established.
"People out there know who this offender is and need to be brave and grow a backbone and tell use who it is."
Meanwhile,
Mr Taiaroa's family, who addressed media in Hamilton this morning,
described the husband, father and grandfather as the "salt of the earth"
and a gentle giant who did not like conflict.
Wife Helen Taiaroa says she, like police, were unsure as to why Mr Taiaroa had been killed.
"He didn't have an enemy. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
A tearful Mrs Taiaroa said if the killer's aim was to destroy a family, they had succeeded.
Mr Taiaroa's
daughter Rochai Taiaroa described her father as a family man who enjoyed
spending as much time with his family as he could.
"He was just a loving man, that's why we're finding this so hard. He was an absolute hero to me.
"I wish we could give the police a lead to follow, but dad didn't like conflict. He didn't attract anger."
Mr
Taiaroa's grandchildren were resilient, but were too young to
comprehend what had happened, says Ms Taiaroa. As they grew up they
would not have a grandfather to share their 21st birthday with or walk
them down the aisle at their weddings.
Ms Taiaroa pleaded with the public to contact police with any information, no matter how insignificant they think it is.
"This person has a whanau, they've got neighbours, they're part of a community. They must have said something to someone.
"My whanau needs closure. My whanau deserves it."
Mr
Taiaroa's other daughter Melanie Taiaroa says if the public could take
anything away from her father's death, it was to tell their family they
loved them.
"He used to tell me he loved me at the end of every conversation and I thought it was silly. Now I know how much that means."
3 News
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