Bright acknowledged “the community for their outpouring of support for the family as they come to terms with this tragedy”.
“I would also like to thank the many Police staff who have worked tirelessly and continue to work on this difficult investigation.”
The scene examination was completed, and the property handed back to family on Saturday morning.
Police were called to the Papatoetoe house about 6.40pm last Thursday after reports a person was dead. Two more deceased were found inside.
Dahlia Neville, 6, Hunter Neville, 9, and Edward Courtenay James Neville, 40, were found dead at a South Auckland home last week. Photo / Michael Craig
Police are not searching for anyone else.
A Cambridge Terrace resident opposite the property said they saw a man lying dead on the home’s front steps.
“We were having dinner and my daughter saw police cars go past, so I opened the door to look and saw him. Lots of us on this side of the road did.”
They told the Herald the man had two primary-aged children.
“Not even an hour prior I saw him, he was outside on the steps with his kids.“
They said nothing seemed unusual.
Police are investigating three deaths at Cambridge Terrace, Papatoetoe, for the coroner.
Photo / Michael Craig
A woman who lives next door to the property said she “really got along” with the man at the address.
“It’s just the man, his two kids and his father who live there.
“I’ve never heard anything bad, we keep in touch regularly and look after each other, we always tell each other what’s happening on the street.”
Another neighbour told a Herald reporter they were badly shaken.
“I just bloody bawled my eyes out. I can’t believe it. They’re a good family,” they said.
“Just bloody hell. I just can’t believe it. You see this on the news.
”I’m just absolutely in shock.”
On Monday morning, community members gathered in a Cambridge Tce and Tavern Lane carpark for a prayer to remember the victims and pay respects to the family.
Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina, who attended the blessing, told the Herald it was a good opportunity for people to express feelings and offer condolences.