Monty Knight was a well-known wine-maker, entrepreneur and local politician in Kaitāia, inducted into the Northland Business Hall of Fame in 2010. Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles
The man killed at his home near Kaitāia on Sunday was one of the Far North's best-known businessmen as well as a former district councillor and mayoral candidate.
Police say they were called to a home on Okahu Road, west of Kaitāia, about 12.35pm following a report of an assault.
A man found in a critical condition at the scene could not be saved despite the efforts of emergency services.
Court documents reveal the victim was Monty Knight, a high-profile entrepreneur, wine-maker and local politician.
He turned 80 earlier this year.
Acting Detective Inspector Tania Jellyman, of the Northland CIB, said a woman was arrested a short time later at another Far North address.
Police were not looking for anyone else.
The property had been cordoned off and a scene examination was due to take place today.
A post mortem examination would be carried out in the coming days.
On Monday, a woman appeared in court charged with Knight's murder.
The 57-year-old was granted interim name suppression during the brief appearance before a Justice of the Peace in the Kaitāia District Court.
She was remanded in custody and is due in the High Court at Whangārei on 5 December.
The woman appeared calm throughout the hearing, which lasted little more than five minutes.
Former Far North mayor John Carter said he was shocked by Knight's death.
"I knew him very well, as did most people in Kaitāia," he said.
"He's a very community-minded person who's done a tremendous amount for the community. A very successful businessman of course, which has enabled him to do so. But he's been very generous with his time and support."
Knight was one of the Far North's best-known entrepreneurs and personalities.
Born in 1945, he started his working life in signwriting and music promotion.
His first foray into retail was a small record shop, Monty's Disc Inn, on Kaitāia's Commerce Street.
That expanded into electronics, appliances and beds with Knight selling the business, by then a major store known as 100% Monty Knight, in 2012.
He also established a winery, Okahu Estate, which won medals in New Zealand and overseas.
He was best known, however, for Knights the Jewellers, which has outlets in Kaitāia and Kerikeri.
The Companies Office shows he was the sole shareholder and director of the Kaitāia store.
Knight was inducted into the Northland Business Hall of Fame in 2010.
He was elected to the Far North District Council in 2010 and to the Northland Regional Council in a by-election in 2015.
He also contested the Far North mayoralty a number of times.
Knight stood unsuccessfully in the Te Hiku Ward in last month's Far North District Council elections.
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