Police from Auckland, Rotorua, Whangamata, Counties Manukau, Western Bay, Waikato working on Tauranga murder case for David Kuka

Detective Lew Warner, officer in charge of the murder inquiry into the death of David Rawiri Kuka, reveals more details about the case. Photo/George Novak

Murder victim David Rawiri Kuka was last seen playing his guitar in his room.

Kuka died from injuries suffered from an execution-style shooting at the Greerton 2nd Hand and pawn Warehouse, where he had been living, on February 11.

Detective Inspector Lew Warner said the 52-year-old's "murder was a case of mistaken identity" and there was no reason for police or Kuka's family to believe the shooting was intended for the victim.

Police undertake a forensic search of the scene where a David Rawiri Kuka died of head injuries. Photo/File

Kuka was found with a serious head injury at his Wilrose Place home that night and died soon after emergency services arrived. Emergency services were called about 10.40pm, and he was pronounced dead at 11.15pm.

Warner believes Kuka was shot about 10pm.

The last sighting of Kuka was earlier in the evening of February 11 when he was at home, in his bedroom, playing his guitar, Warner said. He said Kuka had been at a family function earlier in the day.

In the past three months, police have had about 30 staff from around the North Island working on the case. He said officers from Auckland, Whangamata, Counties Manukau, the Waikato and some parts of the Central North Island and Eastern Bay of Plenty were involved.

Warner said Kuka had lived at the second-hand shop for "some time" and had flatmates.

He said there had been a lot of people coming and going from the address on the day Kuka was killed and police want to hear from people they had not yet spoken to.

So far, more than 100 people had been interviewed right around the North Island, and through those inquiries, it had lead to their conclusion, Warner said.

Warner described Kuka as a quiet family man who had made Tauranga his home. He had children and had become a Christian, Warner said.

Police said they had persons of interest but were keeping an open mind in regards to the offender or offenders.

Police are also keen for information about a silver vehicle seen in the area on the night of the shooting around the relevant time.

Warner said the silver vehicle might not be linked to Kuka's murder, but it was vital people come forward with any information to establish any possible link.

People with information can ring Tauranga police on 07 577 4300 or call Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.