A 48-year-old man has been arrested as police continue a homicide investigation following a house fire in Whangārei earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to the Tikipunga property on April 29 at 3am.
Hoani Reuben, also known as John, was the sole occupant of the Thomas St home and died in the fire.
This afternoon, police said it had arrested a 48-year-old man and charged him with arson.
He was remanded in custody and will reappear in the Whangārei District Court on September 16.
“Enquiries will continue into the homicide, and further charges cannot be ruled out,” Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton said.
“We can reassure the community that we are not seeking anyone else in connection with Mr Reuben’s death.”
Police acknowledged members of the public for helping during the investigation.
“We would like to thank every person who called us or came into a station to provide information in relation to this homicide,” Clayton said.
