Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A homicide investigation has been launched after the discovery of a woman’s body at a worksite in Hawke’s Bay last week.
On Tuesday, police were called to a property on Taihape Road in Omahu, near Hastings after a body was found.
She has since been identified as Sharlene Smith, aged 64, from Rotorua.
“We continue to support her loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” detective inspector James Keene said.
“Our early enquiries have established that this was a tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and we are determined to find answers for her whānau,” detective
inspector James Keene said.
Keene said a committed team were investigating, but was also calling for the public’s help.
Police are appealing for sightings of a white Mazda 3 2005 sports hatch on 30-31 January within the Taihape Road/Omahu Road Fernhill area.
Anyone who may have witnessed any other suspicious activity in the area during that time period are also encouraged to contact police.
People can get in touch through the 105 service, quoting reference number 260203/9739.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand