Police used Glinks Gully as a base for the homicide investigation, with the remains found in a burned-out car in the sand dunes about 17km south. Photo / Denise Piper
Isolation and methamphetamine use could be some of the reasons why Kaipara’s Ripiro Beach has been the scene of two homicides in two months, locals say.
Police launched a homicide investigation on Monday after a body was found in a burnt-out vehicle on the beach, at a site about 17km south of Glinks Gully.
Police were told of the vehicle fire at about 10.30am and found a body inside when they arrived, Detective Inspector Al Symonds said.
On Tuesday, police said they had not made any arrests but were speaking to a person of interest, and were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. A property was also being searched.
Police launched a homicide investigation into Sione-Lauaki’s death on Friday, saying her injuries were unexplained. They are still appealing for information or sightings of her clothing: a white Nike T-shirt with a red tick, black or dark-grey Everlast trousers, and red Adidas scuffs.
Symonds said police investigations showed there is no connection between the two deaths but he told RNZ the impact on the close-knit Kaipara community could be long-lasting.
A Pouto Peninsula farmer, whose property is almost directly inland from the car fire, said the homicide was “close to home and really quite sad”.
Ian Russell believed he knew the victim, a woman whom he described as “a real honey”. He suspected the use of pure methamphetamine, or P, was involved in the death.
When he first heard about the homicide it made him concerned for security on his farm and he was relieved police were talking with someone.
Anyone who was in the area or has information that may assist is encouraged to get in touch with police.
Kaumātua from three local marae have placed a rāhui on the sand dunes between Glinks Gully and Pouto Point, restricting access to the sand dunes.
People are still free to use the beach as normal, including fishing and driving on the beach, said Rex Nathan from Te Uri o Hau’s Oturei Marae, who worked with kaumātua from Repia and Waikaretu Marae.
“It’s a respect for the deceased person and allows time for the place that the incident took place to heal,” he said.
The rāhui applies from Wednesday morning to Sunday. A kaumātua also did a blessing on Tuesday, Nathan said.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.