Update – Tauranga homicide investigation

Tauranga Police have confirmed that one post-mortem has been completed in Auckland in relation to the two homicide victims that were found in an Otumoetai house over the weekend.

The second post-mortem is now due to be undertaken tomorrow.

Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, says Police will not be making any comment about the results of either post mortem until the second post mortem is complete. This includes any details relating to how, when or where the victims may have died, or where the two year old child's body was concealed.

Inspector Clement says following the completion of the second post-mortem, Police will determine what, if any, details relating to the results of the post-mortems will be made public.

Inspector Clement says the man who Police believe to be the husband and father of the two homicide victims was met by Police upon his arrival at Auckland International Airport this morning. He was taken from Auckland Airport to be briefed privately by Police on the situation to date.

Inspector Clement says the formal identification of the bodies has not been completed and Tauranga Police will not officially release the names of the victim until that has been done.

Inspector Clement says he would like to thank members of the community – and members of the Tauranga and New Zealand Indian community in particular – for their support, and the information that they have provided in connection with the homicide investigation.

He says the information received from the public is of significant assistance to the investigation.

"We have more than 25 Police investigators and other staff working on the inquiry and as with any investigation of this type, it is absolutely vital that we complete that investigation thoroughly.

"Anyone with information that may relate to this case is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300."

A 23 year old man has been charged with the murder of the 32 year old woman whose body was discovered in the Otumoetai house late on Sunday afternoon. He appeared in the Counties Manukau District Court yesterday (Monday 7 June) and was remanded in custody to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Thursday 10 June when further charges may be laid. He currently has full name suppression.

Tauranga Police will not be providing any further comment today.