Police have charged two men with murder over the death of Eli Johnston in western Bay of Plenty last month.
Photo: 123RF
Johnston, 27, died after he was assaulted in the rural town of Whakamārama on the evening of 12 June.
A 29-year-old from Tauranga and a 21-year-old from Hamilton have been charged with his murder.
The 29-year-old has appeared in Tauranga District Court this morning and is due to reappear on 10 August.
The younger man is due to appear in the same court later today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Lemoto said that police were supporting Johnston's whānau who were mourning the loss of their family member.
"The investigation team have worked tirelessly to achieve this result, and while arrests have been made, we are still wanting to hear from anyone with information."
Lemoto said police were especially keen to hear from anyone who may have seen two men walking along Barrett Road in Whakamārama between 7.50pm and 8.40pm on 12 June.
They were also appealing for any sightings of a silver vehicle parked in Plummers Point Road between the same times.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 220613/3065.