Mystery ute may hold clues in hunt for killer

As relatives prepare to bury 24-year-old Nathan Mata Pukeroa in Pawarenga today a plea has been made for any sightings of a red ute. Photo / Supplied via police

Police believe a mystery red Toyota ute may provide vital clues in the hunt for the killer of Northland man in a quiet Mt Albert street last week.

As relatives prepare to bury 24-year-old Nathan Mata Pukeroa in Pawarenga today a plea has been made for any sightings of a red ute in Renton Rd or being driven on upper North Island roads since Thursday's fatal attack.

Mr Pukeroa died in the early hours of Thursday morning and a 22-year-old friend was also seriously injured by the same person.

Detective Inspector Chris Cahill said the key to solving the killing could lie with the Renton Rd neighbourhood.

"We'd like to hear from anyone in and around the Renton Rd vicinity who has noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area over the past several weeks.

"We are also urging residents in the area to search their properties and advise us if they find any sharp instrument that could have been used as a weapon and that has been discarded by the person or people responsible.

"One focus of the team today is on tracking the movements of a red Toyota utility that left the Renton Rd address shortly after the fatal attack that occurred at about 12.15am on Thursday, December 3."

Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw it in the vicinity around the same time of the attack or travelling on upper North Island roads over the past four days.

Mr Cahill said it was important people remember that a young man died outside a home in a suburban street and another was seriously injured and that the killer had not yet been identified or located.

Police have returned to the scene this morning and are appealing to residents for any information to solve the crime.

People are also encouraged to call Avondale CIB on 09 820 5784 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information.