Arrest for double fatality in Tauranga

Tauranga Police investigating the double fatality at Welcome Bay on Christmas Day have arrested a 20-year-old man.

The man, who is from Auckland, was interviewed by Police after he was discharged from hospital in Tauranga. He has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and is to appear in the Tauranga District Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 28 December).

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says that police still want to speak with any member of the public who may have observed the activities of three vehicles - a maroon Honda, a black Mitsubishi Lancer and another Honda coloured blue - on Orion Drive, Waikite Road and Welcome Bay Road between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Christmas Day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Turner also confirms the identities of the deceased as Merepeka Morehu Clark, aged 14 and her sister Brooklyn Morehu Clark aged 13.

Any person with information can contact the Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.