Police investigating the death of George Taiaroa in Aitiamuri on Tuesday (19 March) are hoping to identify everyone who travelled over the one lane bridge on Tram Road in the time leading up to the shooting.
A team of more than 30 officers are working to establish a motive for the shooting and locate a blue Jeep Cherokee of interest to the inquiry. Police believe that motorists who passed over the bridge between 2.30pm and the fatal shooting may have information they don't realise is important to the inquiry.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper said: "The information those drivers can provide could be crucial in piecing together events leading up the shooting. They may not think they have anything useful to offer but the slightest snippet of information might be invaluable to the investigation; particularly in terms of the people and vehicles they saw as they passed through. We don't know how many vehicles travelled through during those 30 minutes but we do know that at one point a two tone green vehicle came nose to nose with a tractor on the bridge and had to reverse up due to a miscommunication at the traffic control. We are keen to speak with that potential witness and any others who crossed the bridge."
Police also want to speak to anyone who stopped at the scene or passed by after the shooting who hasn't yet spoken to police.
Another focus of the investigation is to identify any security footage that may be of assistance.
"We know that commercial trucks often have cameras mounted on their cabs. Although we are liaising with companies that travel the area we know that some trucks with cameras may be privately owned," said DI Loper. "We also know that farmers and other rural residents often have cameras installed to help protect their properties. The vehicle we are seeking will have off-road capability so just because a camera isn't on the road doesn't mean it won't be useful. We would encourage everyone in and around Atiamuri to check their cameras."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team directly on 0800 Kingswood (0800 546 479). Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.