Wellington, April 8 NZPA - Family of an elderly man killed following an alleged road rage incident in Auckland have described him as peaceful, honest and hard working.

Jashmatbai Patel, 78, of Te Atatu, received critical injuries after being attacked in Mt Albert around 8am yesterday, and was later put in an induced coma. He died in hospital at 1.30pm today.

Police said the incident happened after a "minor crash" between Mr Patel's van and a BMW on Carrington Road.

West Auckland student Bio O'Brien, 27, was arrested soon after the incident and faced a charge of assault when he appeared today in Auckland District Court.

Family members of Mr Patel told Radio New Zealand their father and grandfather had looked after them in New Zealand for the past 33 years.

He was described as honest and disciplined, and had worked at a factory until he was 71 before continuing to help his family out most days of the week at their Mangere food store.

Mr Patel's son, George, said his father was supportive and motivating to his five grandchildren in terms of their education and sport activities.

Family were reluctant to talk about the attack, but said Mr Patel was peaceful and wouldn't harm anyone.

They hadn't slept since the incident and were at Mr Patel's side when he died.

Police said today no further charges had been immediately laid following Mr Patel's death, but a homicide inquiry had been launched.

O'Brien, a student from Tuvalu, a group of islands in the central Pacific, entered no plea in court today and was remanded in custody to reappear tomorrow when he may apply for bail.

His lawyer successfully opposed applications for cameras to film in court and said he would continue to do so.

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