Police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of a motorcyclist in Otaika in Northland.
On January 29, a man’s body was discovered in a creek after 5am adjacent to Otaika Valley Road after on State Highway 15. His motorcycle was found parked nearby.
Police now believed the man was killed between 7pm and 11pm on Thursday, January 28, in a layby opposite to the Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.
A post-mortem examination is currently ongoing, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said.
“Formal identification procedures have not yet been completed, but we anticipate releasing further details about the victim once this process is complete,” he said.
“Our investigation team are working with the family, who are coming to terms with their loved one succumbing to foul play.”
The road has been closed during the initials stages of the inquiry. New Zealand Transport Agency said it expected the road to open this afternoon.
A rāhui has also been placed over the area by Te Parawhau hapū, which would remain in place until 8pm Friday. The restriction covered the Ōtaika Valley walking track entrance, along the river through to the mouth of the Ōtaika River.
Police have appealed for any witnesses or motorists who were travelling through the area on Tuesday night or during the early hours of Wednesday.
Police were specifically asking for any sightings of a blue and silver coloured road bike which was found parked in the layby area.
“We are particularly interested in any sightings of this bike between 8pm on January 28 through to 5am on January 29,” Pilmer said.
Police were also seeking any dashcam or CCTV footage from around the key locations between 7pm on January 28 and 5am on January 29.
An online portal has been set up by police to upload footage or photographs.
Pilmer added the investigation was in the “very early stages”, and the team would “work hard to ensure we get answers as to why this homicide has occurred”.
People with any further information could be provided to police by phoning 105 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
