By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE
As the grieving McKenzie family buried their husband and father in Tauranga yesterday, police hunting his killer resigned themselves to a lengthy investigation.
"It is still a mystery. We are digging in for a long haul," said inquiry head Detective Inspector Graham Bell.
More than 400 people packed the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club at Sulphur Pt to farewell Noel McKenzie.
His coffin stood before windows that framed a harbour view out to Mt Maunganui and Matakana Island.
Old friend Ted Lever officiated at the almost austere half-hour service, and his address was followed by a tribute from a member of the extended family.
After leaving the Navy in 1963, Mr McKenzie worked with Mr Lever as a bricklayer, and the two men and their wives were active Jehovah's Witnesses. Mr Lever said Mr McKenzie ended his involvement for some years, but renewed his interest in the faith after the recent death of a much-loved grandson.
He said the 64-year-old father of five and grandfather of six had been a strong-willed man, but had also had a humorous side and got up to lots of tricks.
Michelle Collins told the assembly that her (husband's) uncle had been fun to be around, and had touched many lives.
The coffin was carried out to the strains of the song Till the 12th of Never.
Family members were comforted outside in the sun before leaving for a private interment.
Meanwhile, police have lengthened the timeframe, and are now interested in any movements in the Myres St area between 3.30 am and 6 am last Friday.
The police communications centre in Auckland received the emergency call reporting the killing at 4.56 am, but Mr Bell said it could have taken Ann McKenzie some time to raise the alarm after her husband was stabbed in bed beside her.
When the offender left, she tried to ring for help on a cordless telephone but, in her panic, could not get through.
She then fled next door and, unable to raise anyone, ran to another neighbour.
Mr Bell said the shaven-headed killer might have injured himself in the frenzied knife attack.
"It was a pretty heavy conflict situation he was in."
The investigation team swelled to 42 members yesterday. Mr Bell said it was gathering useful evidence from the McKenzies' house.
Intelligence analysts and a criminal profiler have also been called in.
Mystery marks farewell
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