Four arrests made after fatal shooting

James Whatuira was found dead at an Ormond St house in Woodville last month.

Four men have been arrested and charged in relation to the death of James Whatuira, who was found dead in Woodville last month.

James Poto Whatuira, 49, was fatally shot at an Ormond St house after receiving a single gunshot wound on January 4.

The Pahiatua man, who was known to most people as Poto, did not live at the address where he was found.

A police spokeswoman said a 41-year-old Nelson man was charged with murder yesterday and was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today.

Three Dannevirke men, aged 29, 35 and 45 were also charged with being party to a murder and were due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court today.

Police had advised Mr Whatuira's family of the arrests.

The house at which his body was found was also the scene of a stabbing on October 23 last year, in which a man received wounds to the abdomen and face, while another man suffered hand injuries.

The investigation of Mr Whatuira's death is ongoing and police are calling on members of the public with information to contact Detective Constable Claire Adkins on (06) 210 2201. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.