The children of slain Paeroa pizza man Jordan Voudouris have made an emotional plea for the killer of their "Pappa" to hand themselves in.

"With broken hearts we grieve the loss of our beloved Pappa," the statement, issued through police late yesterday, said.

"Our pain is indescribable. You have taken from us our wonderful, loving, caring, funny, gentle Pappa and Papous. You have altered our lives, and take our hopes and dreams.

"You have taken from a community a generous, kind, giving businessman. With our hearts we plead to the public for help.

"If anyone has any information to help the police with their investigation, please, please come forward."

Their public plea came as the close-knit Paeroa community was struck another blow yesterday with news police are looking at a possible link between his violent death last Monday and the destruction of a makeshift memorial – erected outside his pizza and pasta restaurant, Mykonos, to mark Mr Voudouris's birthday on Sunday.

Police confirmed their investigation had now widened to include the vandalism of flowers, balloons, cards and other memorial items left outside the restaurant on Saturday night.

Staff had gathered there to mark Mr Voudouris's birthday, and had enjoyed a few quiet drinks in honour of their boss and friend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Whitehead said police were "keeping an open mind" and following several lines of inquiry in the search for the killer.

"We are following up as to who may have caused this damage and whether or not there may be any connection to his death."

A public memorial will be held at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall at noon tomorrow. In a touching nod to the collection of caps and hats in Mykonos Pizza and Pasta, baseball caps with "RIP Jordan" will be sold. The money will go to the Voudouris family.

In a sign of the growing anger and frustration in the Paeroa community about the death, a "Justice for Jordan" Facebook group has been set up.

On it, an employee of Mr Voudouris, Kim Rangiihu, had his say about the vandalism: "I'm absolutely disgusted, we were gone no more than 15 minutes, we get back and they did this, I'm really gob-smacked that someone would be so dumb and heartless. Didn't Jordan do enough for you? I was so proud that people of this town showed their love and respect for him and now some1 has taken that."

Anyone with information about Mr Voudouris' death can contact Paeroa Police on 07 862 8744. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News