A homicide investigation is continuing into the death of a man on 9 May, at a rural property in Parakao.
Police can today name the victim as Geoffrey Wayne Ware, aged 55, who lived at the Mangakahia Road address.
¡°We would like to extend our condolences to Mr Ware¡¯s wh¨¡nau and loved ones at this difficult time,¡± Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, from Whangarei Police, says.
A post mortem has been completed and the ¡®Operation Cossar¡¯ enquiry team is making good progress.
¡°We are following some strong lines of enquiry,¡± Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.
¡°There has been an excellent response to our appeal released on Monday and I would like to acknowledge the public for their assistance.¡±
Police are urging anyone else with information to get in touch.
¡°We are particularly seeking information and sightings in the area of Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and State Highway 14 towards Whang¨¡rei, between 2pm and 8pm on Friday May 9, of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 ute and of a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening,¡± Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.
¡°Our investigation team is working hard to establish what happened,¡± Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.? ¡°We want to reassure the community we are doing everything we can to hold the person responsible to account.¡±
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.
Please quote the reference number 250509/6749.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Nicole Bremner/51½ÖÉä?