Northland Police have launched a homicide investigation after man was found dead in a vehicle at Fishbone Park, Otangarei yesterday evening.
Police were called to the scene shortly after 11pm after members of the public reported hearing gunshots.
Police have spoken to witnesses who have reported seeing a person running away from the vehicle, carrying what is believed to be a firearm. The person is described as being of medium build, between 170-180cm tall and wearing a black hoodie with light coloured track pants.
We are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and the events leading up to it.
A scene examination is underway and is expected to take some time. Once this is completed the body will be removed from the scene and a post-mortem carried out.
Formal identification is yet to take place however we believe we know who the victim is.
A number of cordons remain in place.
If you have any information that can assist police then please contact the Whangarei Police Station on 09 430 4500. Alternatively, you can contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police