He said Holland had attended the service\u2019s Thursday breakfasts at Lifezone Church in Judea consistently since \u201cday one\u201d of them starting.<\/p>\n
They often shared \u201ca coffee and a chat\u201d, as Holland did with many people in the Tauranga community, including others living rough.<\/p>\n
Holland\u2019s \u201clarge number\u201d of connections was evident on Thursday morning when about 50 people gathered at the church to remember the man known as the \u201cbig guardian of downtown\u201d in Tauranga.<\/p>\n
The memorial brought together people from across the homeless community, with some transported by van so they could attend.<\/p>\n
Those gathered shared prayers, songs and karakia and filled a remembrance book with messages reflecting on Holland\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
A second memorial was held later in the day at Under the Stars during the organisation\u2019s free lunchtime meal, allowing others who were unable to attend the morning gathering to pay their respects.<\/p>\n
Shadbolt said he last saw Holland at last Thursday\u2019s breakfast. <\/p>\n
He seemed \u201cpretty much his usual self\u201d, although he had been \u201ca little bit quieter\u201d than usual recently.<\/p>\n
Holland had kai and a cup of tea, spent time talking with others and waited around for a free haircut being offered that morning, before being dropped off at \u201chis place of residence\u201d, as Holland called it.<\/p>\n
Dax Holland was a long-time member of Tauranga\u2019s homeless community and a regular at community meals. Photo \/ Facebook<\/p>\n
Shadbolt described Holland as a \u201creally nice guy\u201d who was thoughtful and knowledgeable, enjoyed deep conversations and often spoke about philosophy and spirituality.<\/p>\n
He could be \u201cquite abrupt at times\u201d, and wasn\u2019t \u201ceveryone\u2019s cup of tea\u201d.<\/p>\n
Holland loved music and being around whatever was going on, whether it was singing, dancing or pickleball.<\/p>\n
Shadbolt said Holland had a background as a chef and often helped out with the cooking.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loved community and he loved people,\u201d Shadbolt said.<\/p>\n
As a \u201creasonable-sized man\u201d, people often looked to Holland for support, particularly on the streets.<\/p>\n
Shadbolt said people experiencing homelessness remembered Holland as a \u201cstraight -up dude\u201d, often speaking about how he checked in on those new to the streets and helped point people in the right direction for support.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe kept an eye on our homies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shadbolt said it was the second time a homicide had impacted people within the community in the past two years. <\/p>\n
He described life on the streets as sometimes dangerous, but said those living rough often looked after one another, forming strong bonds in the face of those risks.<\/p>\n
Shadbolt said some in the community were \u201cscared\u201d of homeless people, but \u201cwhen you get to know them [like with Holland] you see their kind heart\u201d.<\/p>\n
Dax Holland has been described by members of the community as a thoughtful and knowledgeable person who enjoyed deep conversations. Photo \/ Facebook<\/p>\n
Dozens of people have shared memories and condolences for Holland on social media after his death. <\/p>\n
Several spoke of him helping people living on the street, and other comments described him as humble and \u201charmless\u201d.<\/p>\n
Some said he was often seen enjoying live music at bars in Tauranga CBD and Mount Maunganui.<\/p>\n
A duty manager at Crown & Badger pub on The Strand, who asked not to be identified, told NZME she had known Holland for several years.<\/p>\n
She said Holland was a regular visitor to the bar and others in Mount Maunganui on Friday and Saturday nights.<\/p>\n
\u201cDax used to sit outside listening to the music, and was a great singer, and loved talking to the other patrons. He was well-liked by members of the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter what happened, no one deserves this.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Tauranga security guard, who also would not be named, said he had known Holland for more than five years.<\/p>\n
The guard said he never caused any trouble or drew negative attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cDax was a quite kind, humble, and easy-going person. It was quite shocking and sad to learn of his death.\u201d<\/p>\n
Call for information<\/p>\n
Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown said police would like to speak with anyone who had information that could help the investigation into Holland\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask people to contact us if they saw unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anyone with information was asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz<\/a>, clicking \u201cUpdate report\u201d, or by calling 105. <\/p>\n Use the reference number 260214\/8937.<\/p>\n Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.<\/p>\n – Additional reporting by Sandra Conchie.<\/p>\n