The Waikato region has been hit with three homicides in as many weeks, police say the public has nothing to fear.
The body of Mitchell Curtis Rehua Paterson was found at McLaren Falls, west of Tauranga. Photo: SunLive/Cameron Avery
Waikato Police say they are making progress on each of the three homicide investigations currently underway in the region.
Robert Nelson, 23, was shot and killed in a home in the suburb of Melville on 8 July.
On 30 June, 48-year-old Wayne Noda was found dead behind the Huntly Power Station.
And on 13 July, the body of 26-year-old Mitchell Paterson was found at McLaren Falls, near Tauranga.
In the Nelson case, two other people were shot - a 17-year-old man is in a stable but critical condition in Waikato Hospital and 20-year-old woman, Mr Nelson's girlfriend, has since been discharged.
Police refused to say if another man, who is believed to have gang connections and who was in the house at the time of the shooting, was the actual target. He was not injured in the shooting.
They said a fire at the house a few days after the shooting, which caused considerable damage, appears to have been deliberately lit.
Police will not confirm how many shots were fired in the incident.
In the Noda inquiry, police are still looking for a 2001 Nissan Skyline, registration KAM195.
A vehicle of interest in the Paterson case was located by police last night.
They are seeking information on its movements between Wednesday 11 July and Friday 13 July.
Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethely said the public in the Waikato region have nothing to fear. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae
Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethely said the public in the Waikato region have nothing to fear.
"These are targeted attacks on particular people that have associates with groups in these gangs and members of society in regards to Hamilton and Waikato have nothing to worry about."
Detective Inspector Pitkethely said up to 60 officers are working on the three cases and are making progress.
"Everyday we get closer, we've got dedicated staff across the three. They're each being investigated on their own, so three separate homicide investigations and there is good inroads being made in all."
Detective Inspector Pitkethely said while the cases are not connected, all involved gang connections.
However, he said, there are no indications of any gang retaliation.
He said gang involvement in criminal activities is no different in Waikato than across the country.
Police are talking to people of interest in all three cases.