The police team investigating who was responsible for the assault that resulted in the death of Northland man Mr Lee Rata has been boosted to 22 staff.
Mr Rata, aged 35, died in Whangarei Hospital on New Year’s Day from head injuries received after he was assaulted in Bonnett Road, Kaitaia, around 11pm on New Year’s Eve.
A total of 22 staff including five drawn from Waikato, Counties Manukau, Auckland and Waitemata Districts are now working on the inquiry to help with the large number of witnesses who need to be located and spoken to.
Detective Inspector Kevin Burke, Northland District Criminal Investigations Manager, said that a post mortem confirmed that Mr Rata died from blunt force trauma.
Mr Rata has been returned to his family, and his tangi is taking place in the Far North. He is expected to be buried tomorrow.
“We have received good assistance from the public which has helped us in establishing who were present at the function in Bonnett Road near where the assault occurred. This includes numerous images of people who were at the function,” Detective Inspector Burke said.
“We are continuing to identify and speak with function guests and those who were nearby. A number of the guests have returned to their homes outside Northland and we would like these people to contact us.
“Our priority is to establish who was responsible for this vicious beating and hold them to account.”
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim earlier in the evening and people who were in the Bonnett Road area or attending the function to contact them on 09 408 6500. Alternatively, if you wish to pass information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Ends
Media note: DI Burke is not available for interviews today.
Released by Kaye Calder, Police Public Affairs, mobile: 021 192 2915