Investigation continues into Huntly death

Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a man whose body was found in Huntly two days ago.

Police launched an investigation after the man's decomposing body was found on a patch of bare land near railway tracks in Shaw St, Huntly.

The man's body was removed from the scene yesterday and was taken to Auckland for a post mortem. His identity is still not confirmed and police say they will be relying heavily on forensic testing to find out who he is.

"This will be a complex and lengthy process and we don't expect any quick results," Detective Senior Sergeant Pete Jones said. "We have a large amount of investigative and forensic work ahead of us."

Forensic testing should also help determine how long the body had been in the area for. The post mortem should also help in determining the cause of death.

Police will today continue going door-to-door in the area where the man's body was found, speaking to residents. Mr Jones said it was crucial that police spoke to anyone with information about the man or how he died.

"Someone must know what happened to this person and for the sake of his family, we appeal to the community of Huntly to come forward with any information about the man's death. We are also interested in hearing about any suspicious activity or incidents that have occurred in the Shaw St area over the past few weeks," Mr Jones said.

Police have set up an 0800 number for people to ring with information about the man's death - 0800 YOUR HELP (0800 9687 4357).

Mr Jones said police encouraged anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact them immediately.