9 Feb 2024

Appeal for information after man dies in mysterious circumstances in Far North

3:34 pm on 9 February 2024
Police car on the street at night

Photo: 123RF

Police are hoping a member of the public can help solve a road death mystery at Matauri Bay in the Far North.

The body of a 35-year-old man was found on Matauri Bay Road, about 350 metres west of Tepene Tablelands Road, in the early hours of Wednesday.

It is understood he was found some distance from his vehicle, which was undamaged.

Police believe he had been hit by a car but the circumstances are unclear.

A spokesperson said the incident occurred sometime between midnight on Waitangi Day, 6 February, and 4am on 7 February.

Police urged any witnesses to the incident or anyone who was driving on Matauri Bay Road that night, or anyone with information about the man's death, to call their 105 reporting line, quoting the file number 240207/0471.

Information could also be provided online by clicking 'Update Report' and referring to the same file number.

In particular, police want to know about sightings of a silver Nissan Maxima sedan, registration number BRZ652, in the Matauri Bay area around that time.

Police were also hoping to hear from anyone with CCTV cameras on their property covering Matauri Bay Road, Matauri Beach Road, Wainui Road and Te Ngaere Bay.

Dash camera footage from the area could also help the ongoing investigation, the spokesperson said.

Information can also be provided, anonymously, to Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.