Whangārei's Open Arms centre has offered to hold a funeral for a homeless man killed on the street on Monday.
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The man, known only as Eddie, died after he was reportedly punched and fell to the ground, and a 25-year-old Raumanga man has been charged with his manslaughter.
Open Arms daycentre manager Carol Peters said Eddie was a kindly and well-liked character.
She said the 52-year-old had been sleeping rough for about four years after rents rose and he could no longer afford his unit in Maunu.
Dr Peters said Eddie was originally from Christchurch and police were trying to locate his family.
The homeless community was also his family, and if no next of kin were found, Open Arms will take care of his send-off, she said.
Eddie's two dogs, who were his faithful companions on the street, were being looked after by friends who hope to find new homes for them, she said.