Name released, Huntly homicide

After notifying the next of kin Waikato Police are now able to release the name of a woman who was burnt to death on the side of an isolated rural road west of Huntly.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall of the Waikato CIB said the woman has been identified as 28-year-old Ranjeeta SHARMA of South Auckland.

"A key focus of the enquiry now is establishing Ranjeeta's movements and how she came to be where her body was found on Hangapipi Rd on Thursday night.

"We're appealing for any information or sightings of her on Thursday 20 January. We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen her car, a silver Subaru station-wagon, registration number FSD433, between South Auckland and the Huntly/ Rotowaro area on Thursday or Friday."

Mr Keall said Police have established the dead woman's husband flew out of the country with the couple's four-year-old son the day after her body was found.

"He is considered a person of considerable significance to the investigation and we are working with Interpol to locate and speak to him. We are also working with overseas authorities to establish the wellbeing of the young boy and ensure his safety."

"Ranjeeta's family are aware of the ongoing homicide enquiry and are being kept appraised of developments."