Police have identified the woman whose body was found in a burnt-out car in Hawke's Bay's River Road reserve.
Ariki Rigby. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
She was 18-year-old Ariki Rigby of Napier.
A homicide inquiry began after her body was found in the vehicle in River Road Recreational Reserve.
Her family posted a statement on social media thanking everyone who had shown love and concern.
"It is with our deepest regret that we inform you that our beautiful girl has been identified as the wahine in that burnt out car in Havelock North.
"If you have any information and details surrounding her death please contact the Hastings Police Station in relation to Operation Sphynx.
"Respectfully we ask for space and patience while we grieve."
Friends and whānau reported Rigby missing through social media on Thursday and Friday last week, saying she had not been seen since 2 September.
Police believe the vehicle - a mid-'90s dark grey Toyota Corona - was taken to the reserve between 10pm on Friday 2 September and 7am the following day.
They are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may gone to the River Road car park between those times and saw the vehicle or anybody in the area.
Police are reviewing their response after officers checking on the car failed to realise there was a body inside it for two days.
Police around the banks of the Tukituki River near Havelock North, near where the car was found. Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
Anyone with information is asked to ring 105 quoting file number 220905/1265. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.