The funeral of Constable Matthew Hunt, who died in a shooting while on duty last month, will be a private one for family, friends and colleagues.
Constable Matthew Dennis Hunt, who was shot and later died in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
The 28-year-old Waitematā police officer was shot and another officer was also hit in the leg by a hail of bullets fired, after a car they had tried to pull over crashed on 21 June, in the Auckland suburb of Massey.
Police have this morning released a statement saying the funeral service for Hunt would be held on 9 July, at Eden Park in Auckland, but would be closed to the public.
They said Hunt's family had been overwhelmed by the support from across the country and agreed to share the officer's farewell via livestream on the police website.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said they wanted to make sure they were able to provide a fitting tribute for Hunt and support the family.
"We are grateful to Matthew's family, and in particular his mum, for allowing Matthew's Police family to be an integral part of his final farewell," Coster said.
"There is no greater honour we can bestow on a colleague who has made the ultimate sacrifice."
Constable Hunt's casket and family will arrive at, and leave, Eden Park by motorcade. There will also be an honour guard, police piper, and flag presentation to his family.
His funeral had been pushed back after family members coming from overseas had to enter isolation facilities as per the Covid-19 restrictions.
Last week, police across the country held a one minute's silence in honour of the constable and Coster ordered all police flags to be flown at half mast throughout the day.