Chad Puru. Photo: Police / Supplied
A former Mongrel Mob president was found dead in a burnt-out car, although his body did not suffer any burns.
Chad Puru, a 55-year-old from Christchurch, was found dead at the gateway of a property on Dalbeg Rd, 10km from Amberley, North Canterbury, about 10am on Tuesday.
Police have said his death is unexplained.
The NZ Herald understands his body was found inside a burnt-out car. It's believed he did not suffer any burns.
Today, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said at this stage police were not commenting on the results of the post-mortem.
Reeves earlier said police wanted to hear from anyone who could assist with the investigation.
Police were asking for sightings of Puru, or his silver Honda Fit registration MSF928, in the wider Christchurch area between 10am on 31 December and 3 January.
Puru was 168cm tall, of solid build with a mullet-style haircut, and was extensively tattooed, including his face.
Puru is the former president of a Christchurch chapter of the Mongrel Mob.
The nearest township is the farming service town of Amberley, which is 46km north of Christchurch. It's a small town of fewer than 4000 people and is considered a "very connected community".
It's the Hurunui District's largest township. The district's mayor, Marie Black, said these situations never happen in the region.
"It makes me sad to think these events do happen out there," she said.
Amberley's population is largely older, the mayor said, comprised of many retired farmers.
State Highway 1 commuters pass through the town when headed north to Kaikōura or south to Christchurch.
Black said the Amberley community was saddened by the news of the discovery, but noted there was no evidence yet of a connection to the wider community at this stage.
"I pass my thoughts and concerns on to any family member this concerns," the mayor said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via calling 105, using reference file number 230103/8956.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
* This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald.