Photo: 123RF
A body was found in a car that caught fire on on State Highway 1 near Tokoroa.
Emergency services were alerted to a car on fire near Ātiamuri, in the central North Island, at 7pm Wednesday.
Once the fire was extinguished a body was located in the front seat, police said.
"Enquiries are now underway to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances of the person's death."
Police wanted to hear from anyone who witnessed anything, particularly a black Suzuki Swift, in the area from 6pm Wednesday.
A scene examination would continue Thursday morning.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said a crew from Tokoroa were called to the scene where it found a car "well involved in fire".