A 48-year-old man Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Police have charged a 48-year-old man with murder in relation to a fatal house fire in Whangārei in April this year.
Police said the fire was on Thomas Street in the Whangārei suburb of Tikipunga on 29 April and the sole occupant of the address, Hoani Reuben, who was also known as John, died as a result of the blaze.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Northland CIB, said the 48-year-old man had already appeared before the court charged with arson and he was now being charged with Reuben's murder.
"He was already remanded in custody and will reappear in Whangārei District Court tomorrow."
Police had been in contact with the victim's whānau and were ensuring they had support in place, he said.
Symonds said police were not seeking anyone else in connection with the homicide.