Family mourn 'special man' as they ponder causes of tragedy

The family of Kevan Newman say they have questions surrounding his fatal stabbing by a psychiatric patient but it would take "some time" to learn whether his killing could have been prevented.

Mr Newman, 65, was stabbed during a violent rampage in Railside Ave, Henderson, on Monday. His fatal injuries were inflicted following a knife attack on shop owner Robert Norcross, who was stabbed in the back, stomach and hand.

The alleged attacker was shot by police and remains in a critical condition.

"We still have questions to be answered but for now, we ask to grieve in private as we farewell Kevan - partner, father, uncle and good mate," the Newman family said yesterday in a statement issued through police.

"We all want to live in a safe community and it will take some time to deal with the circumstances of his death and whether it was preventable."

Responding to suggestions yesterday that there may have been too few in-patient beds available on Sunday, Waitemata District Health Board chief executive Dwayne Crombie said there were enough beds to admit the man if necessary.

The man was yesterday in a critical condition and was not interviewed by police. He has been charged with assault.

An officer fired five rounds as the man advanced on police while holding a knife. At least one of the bullets entered his abdomen.

The funeral for Mr Newman will be held today. His family said it was "a very private and sad time" as they came to terms with the loss of "a very special man".

"Kevan always embraced life to the full and was a generous and humorous man with a big heart."

They said their thoughts were with the other victims "and the tremendous courage shown by those who tried to help".

"This event has changed lives and we hope that once the investigation is completed we can understand a little bit more what happened on that dreadful day."

The 34-year-old man charged in relation to the stabbings had been under the care of mental health services for 13 years.

Mr Norcross has undergone surgery in Middlemore Hospital to repair tendon and nerve damage to his hand. His father, Charlie Norcross, said he did not believe people with mental illness were receiving proper care and supervision by health authorities.

- Additional reporting Martin Johnston