Stabbing victim to be farewelled

The grieving family of the man called a hero after he was killed trying to help a person he did not know, will say their final farewells today.

Austin Hemmings, 44, died soon after he was stabbed in the chest in Mills Lane in downtown Auckland last Thursday.

He went to the aid of a woman who was being attacked and had called for help.

Mr Hemmings died the way he lived, trying to help, says his devastated family.

He was due to be farewelled at a service at the Holy Trinity Church in Devonport on Auckland's North Shore, where the family lived.

"You were taken so suddenly because of your kindness. You were already our hero," said the family in a funeral notice.

"Your earthly journey is over and your heavenly one has just begun."

The notice included the phrase `Miss you already' -- a favourite saying of Mr Hemmings', which he often said to his wife Jenny and children, Meghann, Jessica and Gareth.