Police hunt for weapon after fatal shooting

Police inquiries continue at a Ormond St house in Woodville, where a man was found dead on Sunday. Photo / Christine McKay

Police continue to hunt for a potential murder weapon and the person responsible for fatally shooting a man in Woodville.

James Whatuira, 49, of Pahiatua was killed by a single gunshot wound, a post mortem revealed yesterday.

He was found dead at an Ormond St property on Sunday afternoon before police quickly launched a homicide investigation and forensic specialists combed the area for clues. Claims of a drug-related shooting involving several people also spread soon after the incident.

"While the post mortem has added that extra piece to the puzzle of what occurred at the address, we still have much work to do in an effort to identify and locate whoever is responsible for Mr Whatuira's death," Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison said.

Police established that Mr Whatuira did not live at the Ormond St property, while officers also continued to search for the gun used in the shooting.

"Inquiries about the weapon's whereabouts are continuing and we are making some good progress in our area canvass as well as speaking to witnesses and taking statements.

"We have also had about half a dozen calls from the public after our appeal for information about movements at the property, and the information provided has been helpful with our ongoing inquires."

He thanked those witnesses who have contacted police with information and strongly encouraged others who saw people or vehicles frequent the Ormond St property on the Sunday to do the same.

A 20-strong team of officers is working on the investigation and the scene examination at the property is ongoing but is expected to be completed within 48 hours.

The house was also the scene of an incident on October 23 last year, where a man was stabbed in his abdomen and face, while another man suffered knife wounds to his hand.

Mr Harrison said police were communicating with the Whatuira family as the investigation progressed and would support them as they grieved.

-Anyone with information is asked to phone Detective Constable Claire Adkins on

06 210 2201.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers,

on 0800 555 111.