The 35-year-old died last Sunday from kidney problems, but he didn't want to be remembered for his health problems, his eldest sister Paenga Kovi Lauaki said.
"It's definitely been a difficult time. For the family it has been a shock [but] we're dealing with it. My brother was always the one who never wanted us to worry. I know he's probably saying 'everybody just relax, it's all going to be okay'.
"He was always so special to us," Ms Lauaki said.
