Counties-Manukau police are paying tribute to one of their own after his death in Tonga.
South Auckland constable Kali Fungavaka died after he was beaten while in police custody, following his arrest for a minor drunkenness offence in the Tongan Capital, Nuku'alofa, last week.
Two police officers and an inmate are due to appear in court on Monday.
Back in New Zealand, Detective Inspector John Timms is praising Mr Fungavaka as a special officer.
“He was a role model for all Pacific people,” says Mr Timms. “He was a role model for Pacific police officers here in Counties and across New Zealand. Kali will be missed by his colleagues here with New Zealand police.”
Mr Fungavaka was off-duty in Tonga while he attended the funeral of his grandfather.
RadioLIVE