Kaitāia is reeling from the violent death of a man described as "an absolute legend" in business circles and as a generous, "relentlessly optimistic" advocate for his hometown by his friends.
Monty Knight, who turned 80 earlier this year, died at his home just outside Kaitāia on Sunday afternoon.
Police said they found him critically injured after responding to reports of an assault, and arrested a 57-year-old woman a short time later.
She had since been charged with murder.
Among those shocked by his death is Colin Kitchen, a Kaitāia community stalwart, former fire chief and newly elected regional councillor.
Kitchen said he had known Knight for more than 60 years.
"He was a go-to person, a real people's person. He was a generous guy whose door was always open. A clever bugger too," he said.
"He's going to be sadly missed. I feel so stunned, shocked, sad and devastated, hearing that news. It's very, very sad."
Former Far North mayor John Carter, who lived just north of the town, was also struggling to come to terms with Knight's death.
"He was a very community-minded person who's done a tremendous amount for the community. A very successful businessman of course, which has enabled him to do so. But he's been very generous with his time and support."
Northland Chamber of Commerce deputy chairman Tim Robinson described Knight as a tireless entrepreneur and "a larger-than-life character who lit up any room he walked into".
"He was an absolute legend from a business perspective. He loved Kaitāia. He was so immensely proud of it as a town, and as a part of the Far North where he lived," he said.
"The thing that always struck me about him was that he was an incredibly positive optimist and a serial entrepreneur. He was always looking for new opportunities, and he always believed that Kaitāia was a town that could punch above its weight."
Robinson said that was borne out by Knight's stellar business career, which started with a tiny record shop on Commerce Street he called Monty's Disc Inn.
He then expanded into electronics, appliances and beds, took over his parents' Kaitāia jewellery store, and opened another in Kerikeri.
He also started a winery, Okahu Estate, which won awards within New Zealand and overseas.
"And all of them were very, very successful businesses. So it speaks volumes in terms of being a very smart, astute businessman, but also his relentlessly positive and optimistic attitude to everything."
Robinson said they also bonded over things other than business.
"I knew the man for 30-plus years and I shared his great love of wine. So when he started Okahu Estate, it was kind of music to my ears."
Knight somehow found time to be elected to the Far North District and Northland Regional councils, and had a couple of tilts at the Far North mayoralty.
He also contested last month's district council election but did not win a seat.
Ian Walker, another prominent Kaitāia businessman, described him as an "iconic personality" of the Far North.
He said their paths had crossed often since he moved to Kaitāia more than 30 years ago, but he knew of Knight long before that.
Walker recalled watching Knight on national TV when he represented the Far North in the Telethon fundraising broadcasts of the 1970s and 80s.
Knight's quirky humour plus his fondness for clowning around and funny hats made him a standout during the marathon TV shows.
A natural entertainer, Knight was also frequently on the radio around the Far North.
"It's a real shame for somebody who's contributed to the colour of Kaitāia for such a long time to pass the way he did. It is unfair and disappointing and saddening," he said.
In 2012, during one of Knight's short-lived attempts at semi-retirement, Walker purchased the appliance store 100% Monty Knight and the local Beds R Us franchise from him.
During last month's election campaign, Knight said he had tried retiring but found it "too boring".
Colin Kitchen praised the emergency service personnel who tried to save Knight on Sunday.
He said every police officer, medic and volunteer firefighter called to his home would have known him personally, making a tough job even harder.
"And the scene, it wasn't good. So I just want to shout out to them and say thank you. You guys are there doing the mahi in people's time of need, and unfortunately, they couldn't help Monty this time."
Kitchen said a date had yet to be chosen for Knight's funeral, but it was likely to be this coming weekend and certain to be huge
Meanwhile, the woman accused of his murder was remanded in custody when she appeared before a Justice of the Peace in the Kaitāia District Court on Monday afternoon.
She appeared calm and was dressed in a causal jumper during the brief appearance.
Her name and all identifying details were suppressed until her next appearance, which would be in the High Court at Whangārei on December 5.
The judge issued a non-contact order for a number of witnesses who had yet to be spoken to by police.
She did not seek bail.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including weather warnings back in force, a spate of suspicious fires in Dunedin, and the stoush over vegemite in prison. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME