Tauranga police seek information on 2023 killing

Harley Shrimpton was killed on a rural property in the Western Bay of Plenty in 2023. Photo / NZ Police

Police are asking for more information to help solve the 2023 death of a Tauranga man.

A homicide investigation was launched in November 2023 after Harley Shrimpton was killed at a rural property in Poripori Road, Lower Kaimai.

He had been missing since he was allegedly kidnapped on November 3, 2023, and a missing person report was filed with police by his whānau, said Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow.

In January 2024, 23-year-old Tauranga man Piripi Tukaokao was charged with murder, kidnapping and other offences.

He is in custody until a Hamilton High Court appearance in November 2025.

Tauranga man Harley Shrimpton died at a rural property in Poripori Road, Lower Kaimai. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

“We know that there were others who assisted the defendant and we are continuing to follow positive lines of inquiry,” said Pilbrow.

“It’s now been over 14 months since Harley was found ... we continue to speak with people close to the investigation and have not ruled out laying further charges against others.

“On behalf of police and Harley’s whānau, I want to acknowledge the significant public support shown over the last year, to thank everyone who has come forward ... and to urge anyone with information ... to contact police.”

Information can be passed to police via the 105 phone service, or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and using ‘Update Report’, referencing file number 231117/9085.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external).