Northland Police have released the name of the victim who died in Whangarei Hospital yesterday from injuries received after an assault in Kaitaia on New Year’s Eve.
He was Mr Lee Rata, aged 35 years, from Kaitaia.
The assault happened in Bonnett Road, Kaitaia, around 11pm on New Year’s Eve.
Fifteen police are investigating the assault and several search warrants have been executed in Kaitaia.
A post mortem is being held today.
"Mr Rata received a severe beating and it must have been seen by someone,” said Detective Inspector Kevin Burke, Northland Police District Criminal Investigations Manager.
“There were a number of people in the area at the time. Mr Rata’s family are naturally grieving and we urge people who have information about what happened to come forward to police. This would help give the victim’s family some form of closure.”
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 attending a party to contact them on 09 408 6500. Alternatively, if you wish to pass information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Released by: Kaye Calder, Police Public Affairs, mobile: 021 192 2915