Attributable to Detective Inspector Lew Warner:
A post-mortem is being conducted today on the victim of the homicide in Whakatāne on Sunday, who Police can now name.
He was 27-year-old Tuterangi Moeke of Whakatāne.
Police are continuing to piece together what happened leading up to Tuterangi’s death, while maintaining an increased presence in the Eastern Bay of Plenty area.
We understand the recent events have caused a feeling of angst in what is a tight-knit community, and Police want to reassure residents we are working hard to hold anyone responsible to account.
Police will be conducting high-visibility reassurance patrols across the region in coming days.
We remind people to report any incident in which their safety or that of others is at risk by calling 111 immediately. If it has already happened, please contact 105.
Anyone who has information on what happened in the lead up to Tuterangi’s death is asked to please contact Police on 105, either by phone or https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and using 'Update Report', referencing file number 231211/5404.
Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre