Head Hunter Chris Morris, father of Connor Morris, in the hearse as they leave Fight Club on Marua Road. Photo / Sarah Ivey
"When you meet that person you're meant to be with for the rest of your life you just know; you get drawn towards someone so hard it's hard not to notice. I felt this happen when I first met Connor."
Dressed in a T-shirt with his photo emblazoned on it, and the words "rest easy Connor Morris", Ms Elder-Holmes was among hundreds of mourners, including about 200 gang members, her brother Reuben, stepmother Lady Deborah Holmes, and former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Don McKinnon.
Sir Don McKinnon, Lady Deborah Holmes. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Mr Morris' father, Chris "One Eye" Morris, is a prominent member of the Head Hunters gang, and more than 100 motorbikes were parked outside the gym for the service.
Ms Elder-Holmes' Facebook message also described how the couple -- who battled drug addiction -- had helped each other over the years.
"We went through so much together, grew so much together, during the years we shared, and now he's gone I feel like I have lost a part of me. He taught me so much about life. He always encouraged and pushed me to reach my goals and aspirations, and gave me the best advice/perspective."
Mr Morris was her best friend and protector, she said. "Rest easy, baby, Joogie, Morrie, I love you more than I can say. You took my heart with you when you were taken from us."
Chris Morris also posted a tribute.
"Connor, you made me proud, you are the perfect son, my best friend, you grew into a man of honour with high morals, a man who will always be loved and missed. So go on your journey until we meet again, love from Mum and Dad."
Image 1 of 21: Headhunter gang members outside the Headhunters gang headquarters on Marua Road, Ellerslie, as they wait for the funeral of Connor Morris. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Connor's sister Cymmion wrote: "I never thought I'd lose you, we were meant to grow old together, enjoy life together and eventually you were meant to give my daughters some cousins to play with."
Ms Elder-Holmes had told mourners they "kept each other on the straight and narrow" and "looked after each other".
"She was clearly very, very attached to him, and had a lot of affection for him. Obviously, she will be missing him greatly."
Sir Don said he and his wife, Clare de Lore, had "a lot of love and affection" for Ms Elder-Holmes, and would continue to support her in coming weeks.
"Millie's been through a tremendous amount of difficulties in her life and unfortunately they've played out very much for the whole nation to witness, which puts a lot of pressure on her, as this one is now," he said.
Police are yet to arrest anyone over Mr Morris' death and are still searching for the murder weapon.
He was fatally injured in a street attack in Don Buck Rd, Massey, late on Saturday night. It is believed he was struck on the back of the head with a machete.
