Co-workers and friends of Herman Topui were seen carrying his coffin as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to their workmate and family member at Manukau Memorial Gardens on Thursday.
Police said Topui, 35, who was also known as Hāmani, died in a workplace accident in Penrose on 15 June 2017.
His death came as a shock to many who knew him from school and works in Tonga.
“You have left too early”, a friend wrote on Facebook.
“OMG??? R.I.P Hamani Topui?my co-worker back in Tonga …..a humble and kind man and a loving husband and father❤❤ my deepest condolences to his wife Meilini and the kids? this is soo sad just gone too soon?? ofa lahi atu Lini kae pehee ki he si’i famili❤❤??”, a friend wrote.
“So sad to see one of the local workers gone to soon. After hearing so many police and ambulance vehicles going past work. Not the story we want to hear around our work area R.I.P Hamani Topui”, another wrote.
Police extend their sympathies to Mr Topui’s family, according to a statement.
Workplace New Zealand are continuing their investigation.