Homicide inquiry launched in Whangarei

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after the body of a woman was found in the Waiarohia Stream near Tawera Road and Porowini Avenue, Whangärei.

Police were called just after 4am today alerting them to a body in the stream. The body was located a short while later.

Cordons have been placed around the area while police carry out a scene examination.

Roads closed to traffic and pedestrians include the intersection of Porowini Avenue and Tarewa Road up to Walton Street.

Locals are urged to avoid this area or find alternate ways to access the Tarewa shopping centre from the back entrance.

Detective Senior Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie says Police are conscious of the impact on the flow of traffic around the city and on businesses in the area and will be opening the roads as soon as possible.

"We appreciate the patience of the public while we carry out our inquiries."

Twenty police are working on the inquiry and the identity of the victim is yet to be confirmed.

Police are asking anyone that was in the central city in the early hours of this morning, in particular the Tawera Road area, to contact the Whangärei Police on 09 430 4500.