The person found dead in the boot of a car in Mt Wellington yesterday was 39 year-old Massey [West Auckland] casual labourer, Mark Graham Burns.
Mr Burns was identified through dental records today. A post-mortem examination revealed he had suffered a serious stab wound to the upper body.
"We believe he was dead before he was burnt, so obviously we’re looking for a weapon and any other information that might lead us to his killer," Detective Senior Sergeant David Pearson said.
"We’ve had the Police Specialist Search Team scouring the neighbourhood where he was found and we’re focused on piecing together Mr Burns’ last movements.
"We’re very interested in speaking to anyone who has had contact with him over the last week."
Mr Burns was the usual driver of the vehicle he was found dead in though it was owned by a relative of his. It will be examined by forensic experts over the coming days.