Homeless man's park-bench death a 'national shame'

Keith Johnson died on a park bench in the St Peter's Church cemetery in Onehunga. Photo/File

There's been an outpouring of love and anger after a homeless man died on a park bench in wintry conditions in an Auckland suburb.

Keith Darryl Johnson died on July 1. Fairfax reported the 57-year-old died on the bench where he often slept in the St Peter's Anglican Church cemetery.

Flowers, balloons and cards have been placed on the bench in a memorial to Johnson, whose funeral was held at St Peter's on July 6.

Many on social media have expressed their frustration at Johnson's death and the continuing homelessness in Onehunga. One woman said others were sleeping in the public toilets and called it a "national shame".

"I came home feeling upset and sickened that this is happening in our community and others around the country," she said.

An obituary in the Herald said Johnson, a father of two, died after "a very long illness" and was "no longer in pain and now at peace".

Fairfax reported Johnson was a regular at Auckland City Hospital. Emergency department staff had become very fond of Johnson over the years, an online commenter said.

"He was (mostly) always polite, had a wicked sense of humour and a wicked smile. We felt a deep sadness when we heard of his passing. I hope that you are resting in peace Keith."

The Auckland City Mission said today it was bursting at the seams as the level of homelessness seemed to be rising.

The mission desperately needs more resources to house the many homeless who are seeking shelter during the winter months.