Three homicides in the Waikato region in the past three weeks are connected to gangs, police say.
The body of Mitchell Curtis Rehua Paterson was found at McLaren Falls, west of Tauranga. Photo: SunLive/Cameron Avery
Three people have been arrested since the body of Mitchell Curtis Rehua Paterson of Ngāruawāhia was found at McLaren Falls south of Tauranga on Friday.
Investigations are also under way into the deaths of a man at his Huntly home in June and the fatal shooting of a man at a Hamilton address earlier this month.
Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird said the three victims had connections with gangs.
He said police decided to reveal the gang focus of the inquiry to clear up some misunderstandings.
"There was some perceptions there that there's one person out there doing this. That's not the case - we believe they're unrelated."
"We just wanted to reassure the public that we've got this completely under control, we'll continue to work through it and we'll deal with the matter" - Supt Bruce Bird
Police are seeking help from the public as they continue their investigation into Mr Paterson's death.
They want to hear from anyone who saw vehicles in the McLaren Falls area early on Friday morning, specifically any light coloured 4X4 that may have been travelling in a convoy.