Police seek contacts of dead man

Forensic scientists comb an address in Whangamata.

The man found dead in a Whangamata home has been identified as 76-year-old Ivan Peter Kapluggin and police are appealing for anyone who had recent contact with him to come forward.

Eastern Waikato Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley, said police extended their sympathies to the family of Mr Kapluggin - a UK passport holder with a New Zealand residence visa, who lived in Thailand.

The Bay of Plenty Times understands close family members live in Tauranga.

Mr Kapluggin said relatives of Mr Kapluggin, who was found dead about 1.30am on Tuesday, live all around New Zealand and his distraught family had asked for time to grieve.

A post-mortem examination completed in Auckland on Wednesday confirmed Mr Kapluggin died as a result of wounds, he said.

"We will need to wait until the completion of the on-going scene examination before we can identify what or if any weapons were used in relation to Mr Kapluggin's death."

An occupant from the address was continuing to assist the investigation team with its inquiries, he said.

Mr Pitkethley said police were appealing for anyone who had recent contact with Mr Kapluggin or was in the vicinity of the Achilles Ave property early on Tuesday morning, or had not already been spoken to by detectives to call Whangamata police station on 07 865 0300, or information can be left anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.