Taxi death investigation team boosted

The number of police hunting the killer of an Auckland taxi driver has increased from 30 to 40.

Hiren Mohini, 39, died soon after he was repeatedly stabbed by a passenger he had picked up in the Auckland central business district early on Sunday morning. The cab veered off the road and hit a tree in View Road, Mt Eden.

A knife believed to have been used in the killing was found near the scene.

Police said father-of-two Mr Mohini died following "a particularly vicious, brutal and frenzied attack".

They said they were putting every available resource into the hunt for his killer.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hywel Jones said the inquiry team had been increased to 40 with the extra staff being used to examine CCTV footage from around the CBD where Mr Mohini picked up his fare.

He said a hotline police had set up since the killing had had an encouraging response.

"Every call we receive is important to us, every inquiry we make is a breakthrough," Mr Jones said.

"The community and the nation want to see the person or persons responsible for this frenzied attack held to account for this murder."

An area canvass was continuing in the streets around View Road.

Mr Jones said earlier the killer would have been "covered in blood to some extent, and would be acting differently to normal".

The man being hunted is described as slim, dark-skinned in his mid to late 20s. He was about 1.74m tall, possibly with a limp. He had long, greasy wavy or curly hair, which was swept back from his forehead.

He wore dark jeans, black shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and carried a black bag with a strap.

Police urged anyone with information to call the police hotline on 0800 444 014 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

News of Mr Mohini's death has been widely reported in Indian newspapers. He moved to New Zealand from Mumbai in about 2003 and had been driving taxis for four years, according to close friend and schoolmate from Mumbai, Sachin Jadhav.

News of his death has been widely reported in Indian newspapers. Mr Mohini had moved to New Zealand from Mumbai in about 2003 and had been driving taxis for four years, according to close friend and schoolmate from Mumbai, Sachin Jadhav.

Prime Minister John Key announced yesterday there would be a review of safety standards in the taxi industry.

But Mr Mohini's employer Auckland Co-op Taxis said the company would be taking its own steps to ensure driver safety.

General manager Barry White said tonight the company would allow the Government a reasonable grace period to make a decision on the issue surrounding driver safety.

"However, regardless of their decision we will be taking our own steps to ensure the safety of the fleet.

"Driver safety is paramount, so we have to move quickly...

"We will supply and support the driver's choice for any security measure a driver wishes to put in place for themselves. These may include screens, cameras and flak jackets or protective clothing.

Mr White thanked the firm's many customers and business partners for their expressions of sympathy and support for the family of Mr Mohini.

"Our focus at this time is on ensuring that Mr Mohini's family has all the support it needs."

Mr Mohini's funeral will be held on at Waikumete Cemetery, (also known as Waitemata Cemetery), Great North Rd, Kelston, on Thursday at 1pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News