Police are investigating the death of Turipapa Tukere, late in December, and have said people who were at an earlier fight in Ngāruawāhia probably know what happened to her. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Police believe they have good leads in a homicide investigation into a woman's death in Ngāruawāhia, but say anyone with information should still do the right thing and come forward.
A homicide investigation was launched following the death of Turipapa Tukere, 42, who died on 27 December after she was taken to an ambulance station in Ngāruawāhia, in a critical condition.
Police had earlier been called to a brawl nearby in the town, and believe they are connected.
On New Year's Eve, police said they had been given wider powers for searches in connection to the incidents, after being granted Gang Conflict Warrant, which is in place until 7 January, when it will be reviewed.
"Police have been speaking with a number of people who are helping to build a picture of what occurred leading up to Turipapa's death, Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said on Monday.
"Evidence has also been collected from various scenes across Ngāruawāhia, which will be analysed by ESR. Police hope this analysis will identify the person and/or people involved."
The Gang Conflict Warrant had allowed police to carry out arrests and seize weapons, and the crack down on the gangs had led to a de-escalation of gang tensions, Saunders said.
"Police have also obtained information during the execution of these warrants that may be relevant to the homicide, and this information is currently being reviewed by the investigation team."
New police powers allowed under Gang Conflict Warrants were first made available in April 2023, and have been only used on a handful of occasions, during heightened gang activity, including in Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne after a string of shootings in October 2023, and in Wairoa after a series of conflicts in September.
Saunders reiterated earlier police pleas for anyone with information about Turipapa's death to contact police, by phoning 105 and quoting the file number 241227/6958, or by reporting anonymously to Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.