A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a man in the small Northland town of Ōkaihau on Monday evening.
The victim, 62-year-old Ōkaihau local, Michael John Biggins, was discovered with serious injuries in a vehicle that had crashed into a paddock on Imms Rd at around 8:25pm. Biggins died at the scene and a homicide investigation was launched.
In a statement, police said foul play may have been involved, describing the death as "suspicious". A post-mortem and scene examination were undertaken on Tuesday.
Northland Police Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston says a 15-year-old male was arrested late on Tuesday afternoon.
The youth is expected to appear in the Kaikohe Youth Court on Wednesday.
"Mr Biggins was a much loved member of his family and they are devastated by his loss. We are working to support them along with Victim Support," Det Insp Johnston said.
"Police will continue to make enquiries in the Ōkaihau area over the next week and there are a number of people still to be spoken to."
Anyone with information they think may assist the investigation team is urged to contact police on 105, quoting Operation Canoe or file number 210928/6273.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111.
