A man has been arrested and charged with the murder and kidnapping of Harley Shrimpton.
Shrimpton was found dead in the Bay of Plenty on December 5 after he went missing a month earlier.
The 22-year-old was already facing charges for Shrimpton's kidnapping and he has now been charged with his murder, along with a charge for aggravated robbery.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Tauranga High Court on February 7.
"While today's murder charge won't bring Harley back, it has come as a huge relief for the Shrimpton family, who have spent their first Christmas without him," police said on Thursday.
Shrimpton's family acknowledged the significant public show of support that arose following his disappearance and thanked everyone who came forward with information during the investigation. Further charges are not being ruled out against people who may have assisted the 22-year-old accused during and after the incident.
Police said they "remain committed to holding to account all those who played a part in the death of Harley Shrimpton and we are confident that the investigation is now beginning to hone in on the others involved".
The investigation is focused on Shrimpton's movements after he was taken from a motor vehicle in Mt Maunganui on the afternoon of November 3.
Officers are also focused on the Poripori Rd area where his body was later found.
"Strong lines of enquiry" are being followed but anyone with information is encouraged to come forward, police said.
Information can be passed to the police via the 105 phone service or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and using 'Update Report', referencing file number 231117/9085. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org
