The death of New Zealand SAS member Doug Grant has saddened the Manawatu township where he lived with his family.
Corporal Grant was among 16 elite soldiers who responded to a Taliban attack on British Council offices in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday.
The 41-year-old was hit by a bullet fired by an insurgent from a rifle or a light machine gun and died en route to Bagram Air Base hospital.
Corporal Grant lived at Tokomaru, about 10km from Linton Army Camp. Residents have described him as a friendly man who brought the community together.
Vijaya Walsh has fond memories of the soldier who once went out of his way to pull her car out of the mud.
Mrs Walsh says Corporal Grant and his wife Tina organised the local neighbourhood watch and hosted a barbecue for all the neighbours.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, described Corporal Grant as a wonderful husband and father who would pass the time with anyone.
She says his death is a tragedy that has rocked the tiny town and robbed it of one of its friendliest locals.
Corporal Grant's body will be returned to New Zealand this week.
