Family members of Sergeant Derek Wootton huddled together and fellow officers broke down and cried as the deceased Porirua policeman's casket was carried from his funeral.
Members of Mr Wootton's section at Porirua police station carried his casket to the hearse - pausing for police commissioner Howard Broad to deliver a salute - as the well-attended funeral ended around 3.15pm.
Earlier, Mr Broad paid tribute to the passion of the sergeant killed in the line of duty, describing him as an inspiration to other officers.
Mr Wootton's funeral began at 1.30pm with relatives carrying his casket in to the tune of 'Scarlet' by Kiwi singer Brooke Fraser.
Friends, colleagues and family members spoke of his commitment to policing, his sense of humour, and his love for his partner Bronwyn Hewitt.
Niece Ashleigh Wootton said her uncle had saved her life.
"You've been my role model for a while now and now you're my hero."
Organisers had to lay out extra chairs to accommodate all the mourners, with the 1000-seat gymnasium at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua filled to capacity with police, family, friends, MPs, and others.
Mr Wootton was killed in the early hours of last Friday while laying spikes on Dimock St, Titahi Bay, to stop a stolen Honda Prelude car which fellow officers were pursuing. He was struck by the car and despite the efforts of emergency services staff he died at the scene.
"It's a cruel and very real reminder of how vulnerable we [police] all are," Mr Broad told the assembled mourners today.
In a tribute Kapiti Mana Area Commander John Spence said when he received the call at 3am on Friday to hear Mr Wootton was badly hurt, it was "his worst nightmare come true".
He described how Mr Wootton's workmates fought to save his life and how devastated they were when he died.
He said he wanted to "honour a colleague and friend who gave his life not only to Porirua but to the people of New Zealand".
Mr Wootton was a proven leader and a mentor to the young officers at his station, from whom he inspired "fierce loyalty", Mr Spence said.
The casket was draped with a New Zealand Police flag, with a police helmet resting on top.
The helmet had significance - Mr Wootton was a member of Wing 150, graduating August 1994, which was one of the last wings to be issued with helmets.
Another member of Mr Wootton's wing was Murray Stretch, who was also killed on duty in Mangakino in 1999.
It was led by Father Pene Patelehio, officiating Porirua police chaplain and family priest, with the assistance of Padre David Dell, chaplain from the Royal New Zealand Police College.
Police staff from outside the Kapiti Mana region were brought in to continue policing duties while local officers attended the funeral.
Police Minister Annette King and Labour MP Winne Laban were among today's mourners.
The man accused over the carjacking and dangerous driving incident that resulted in Mr Wootton's death - Andrew Popo, 32 - was remanded in custody when he appeared in Porirua District Court yesterday.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4620495a10.html
I attended the funeral this afternoon with my friends and colleagues. It was an incredibly moving tribute to an extremely well liked Police Officer. Most of us were doing okay until the Lone Piper piped the hearse around to the Guard of Honour escorted by all of Dog Section - the Dogs in their ceremonial capes. It was very emotionally charged especially when Officers broke into the Haka. The dogs joined in - it was incredible. It has been a really tough and emotional week for all staff and family.
RIP Derek.
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