The scene of a homicide investigation in Whangarei. Photo / Northern Advocate
The man who died at a Whangārei motor camp after being stabbed was reportedly an expectant father.
Detective Inspector Dene Begbie said the man had sustained critical chest injuries as a result of what was believed to be a stabbing before he arrived at the Otaika Motor Camp about 12.30am.
"Despite efforts to revive him, he died at the scene," Begbie said
"A post mortem will be conducted to confirm cause of death."
Bridget Simmons told Stuff the victim had lived at the park for a short time, and his partner was pregnant.
"Unfortunately he was young. No one deserves to die, especially at that age," she told Stuff.
A local resident, who did not wish to be named, told the Herald there were two loud parties on Murdoch Crescent last night that were believed to be gang-affiliated.
There was a lot of "swearing" and "banging" about 1am, she said.
Otaika Accommodation Park manager Martin Clark said the victim was not a tenant - although he had visited previously - and had come looking for help.
He was alone and said he had been stabbed, Clark said.
A forensic scene examination is being undertaken at the motor camp today.
The police cordon stretched from the pedestrian crossing outside the Otaika Shops, to the northern end of the camp.
Today police officers could be seen going in and out of several driveways and a walkway within the cordon. Officers were also looking over a fence into some bushes near the crossing.
Meanwhile a police officer stood guard over a silver car which has been cordoned off on Murdoch Crescent, about 400m away from the motor camp.
Begbie said police were appealing to people who may have seen anything in the area to come forward as they continue the investigation.
"We'd ask anyone who was in the Otaika area late yesterday evening and into the early hours of this morning to let us know if they saw anything suspicious or that may be of interest to us," Begbie said.
"We are in the early stages of the investigation and would appreciate information you have, no matter how small."
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