Harley Shrimpton whose body was found last month, several weeks after he disappeared. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
A man has been charged with the murder of a 28-year-old who went missing in Bay of Plenty in November.
The police launched a homicide investigation into the death of Harley Shrimpton after his body was found last month and foul play was suspected.
Bay of Plenty field crime manager Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said police had charged a 22-year-old man with murder and aggravated robbery.
He was already facing charges of kidnapping in relation to Shrimpton's disappearance.
The arrested man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Tauranga High Court on 7 February.
"While today's murder charge won't bring Harley back, it has come as a huge relief for the Shrimpton family, who have spent their first Christmas without him," Pilbrow said.
"They've continued to receive support from police during this time."
He said police and Shrimpton's family wanted to acknowledge the significant public support shown to the family after his disappearance.
They thanked those who had provided information to officers and urged anyone else with information that could assist the inquiry to contact police.
While the arrest was "a key development," further charges might be laid against others, Pilbrow said.
"We remain committed to holding to account all those who played a part in the death of Harley Shrimpton and we are confident that the investigation is now beginning to hone in on the others involved."
Inquiries have been focused on the victim's movements after he was taken from a motor vehicle in Mt Maunganui on the afternoon of 3 November 2023 and then to the Poripori Road area where his body was later found.
Information could be given to police on the 105 phone service or online, using 'Update Report', and file number 231117/9085.
It can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.