Three people found deceased near Taharoa

The following can be attributed to Waikato Police Acting District Commander Naila Hassan:
 
At around 7pm this evening, Police and other emergency services were advised that three people had been found dead at a residential property near Taharoa, in the Waitomo district.
 
The discovery was made by a person visiting the property. 
 
Police have arrived and have confirmed that three people are deceased. 
 
The scene has been shut down and will be guarded overnight. Cordons are in place on Kawhia Harbour Road, near Willow Point Road. 
 
A Holden Vectra Saloon has been found at the property. This vehicle has been the subject of a Police search over the past few days.
 
Police are now in the process of trying to identify and notify the next of kin of the three deceased people.
 
Formal identification is yet to take place and will not happen until at least tomorrow.
 
The area is remote and there is limited cellphone coverage in the area and Police are unable to provide further detail tonight.
 
The relationship between the three deceased people is yet to be confirmed, however there are early indications that they are all known to each other. 
 
Police acknowledge that this is unsettling and alarming to the community, but do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public. 
 
A scene examination and further investigations into the circumstances of this tragic event will continue tomorrow.
 
A press conference will be held at the Hamilton Central Police Station on Anzac Parade (formerly called Bridge St) at 12pm tomorrow. No interviews are able to be given before then and no further information is expected to be released before then.
 
ENDS 
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.