'Unexplained death' inquiry launched after body found behind Te Puke Memorial Hall

Police have launched an inquiry into the "unexplained death" of a middle-aged man whose body was found behind the Te Puke Memorial Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Head of Tauranga CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner, said the body of a man in his 50s was found by a member of the public in a grass reserve behind the Memorial Hall and Te Puke Library who called police about 4 pm on Saturday.

Te Puke War Memorial Hall. Photo / George Novak

Turner said the death was being treated as "unexplained" at this stage and he would not be drawn about any potential cause of death or injuries.

"The deceased is yet to be formally identified and at this stage, we have no idea who the man is," he said.

The man's body was found in a grass reserve between the hall and Te Puke Library and nearby railway lines, Turner said.

Police are still at the scene after a person was found dead behind Memorial Hall yesterday.

The service lane behind the Te Puke War Memorial Hall building has been cordoned off at both ends as continue to police conduct their investigation.

Two forensic staff from ESR were involved in the investigation, including searching the reserve area and nearby along with police forensic experts, Turner said.

Turner said while the area was frequented by homeless people it was too early to speculate about the deceased's circumstances or the cause of death.

Police are investigating at Te Puke after a body was found yesterday behind the service lane at Memorial Hall. Photo / George Novak

A post mortem examination would be conducted in Auckland in a day or so, he said.

Inquiries were ongoing and police and ESR personnel were expected to continue their forensic examination of the scene today. 3

Turner said he was keen to talk to anyone who was in the area during the 24 hours from 5pm on Friday to 5pm Saturday.

Anyone with information should call Tauranga police on 07 577 4300.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber said he was yet to talk to police about the death but his council will cooperate with any requests by police to assist with the inquiry.

Webber said no matter what the circumstances, he was saddened to hear about the death and wanted to send his condolences to the deceased's family.