Police have today revealed they are investigating a burglary at Waitarere Beach, as the inquiry into Alex Fisher's death continues.
Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Furlong told a press conference held at the village today that a burglary at the beach was "of interest".
"We are working to establish what connection this burglary may have to our inquiries."
Mr Furlong said a hotline set up for the inquiry had received a "steady stream" of calls. Information provided was being assessed.
He said there had been much speculation that a weapon had been used in the death.
"We are going through a detailed forensic examination of all the items we have recovered both at the scene and elsewhere.
"This will establish what, if any, relevance to the investigation."
Mr Forlong said he wouldn't be commenting on what was found nor on the nature of the head trauma Alex suffered.
The cause of death was a matter for the coroner, he said.
"The investigation is making good progress and we've had a large team of staff working through the weekend to build a full picture of the events which led to the death of Alex.
"There are several avenues which the inquiry is pursuing. This includes assessing all the information we have received from the public as well as forensic testing."
Mr Forlong asked Waitarere residents to call police if any items were missing from their properties or anything had been moved.
He also appealed for sightings of Alex and his older brother Eric on Sunday and Monday, together or by themselves.
Mr Forlong also assured local residents there was no reason to think the wider community was at risk.
"We understand this has been a shocking event for the community to go through, however, it's important that people continue with their day-to-day lives."
Mr Forlong would not comment on suspects or if a murder charge would be laid, saying police were keeping an "open mind".
Meanwhile, the community where Alex disappeared is traumatised and seeking reassurance, the organiser of tonight's vigil says.
"Because this is a small community...it's had a devastating effect," said Waitarere resident Chuck Wareham.
He and his neighbour were helping organise tonight's vigil for Alex at the local domain.
After the arrest of a man and the conclusion of a scene examination where the 10-year-old's body was found, police said there was no further danger to the public.
Mr Wareham said locals were still shaken up as the homicide investigation continued.
"Immediately, mothers with young kids are saying 'Heck, are we a safe community any longer?'"
Alex's family were still in a raw state of grief, with anger compounding the situation, Horowhenua mayor Brendan Duffy said this morning.
"There are all sorts of emotions going all sorts of different directions," he said.
Mr Duffy saw the family yesterday morning.
"The emotions were raw. They were preparing for the body to come home."
The family earlier thanked the community for its support and efforts during the three-day search for Alex. But being at the centre of such a high-profile tragedy was profoundly difficult, Mr Duffy said.
"They are completely uncomfortable in the public spotlight."
Mr Duffy said Alex's funeral service was expected to be held on 1pm Tuesday, and the family would need to have space and support to work through the various stages of grief.
"It's a matter of people just channeling everything in the right direction and we'll get through it.
He said the family were liaising with organisers of tonight's vigil, and it appeared their wishes were being taken into consideration.
The family were unassuming, he said, and "particularly" uncomfortable being the centre of attention.
Some locals said the man arrested in connection with Alex's disappearance had been "squatting" in at least one of Waitarere's holiday homes.
Police have not confirmed these claims, but previously said possible links between a reported break-in and Alex's disappearance were being investigated.
Police also urged Waitarere locals this weekend to thoroughly check properties for any signs of theft or disturbance.
Alex's grandmother Shona lived in Waitarere for nearly 30 years, and Mr Wareham said Alex's older brother Eric spent his early years in the settlement too.
He said Alex was the youngest of five siblings, in a blended family with links to other North Island regions including Wairarapa.
Mr Wareham said it was a relief the investigation at the sand dunes on Waitarere Beach had now been wrapped up.
It was earlier thought police and forensic scientists might have to stay there all weekend, or even into next week.
Some of the houses near the scene were only occupied on weekends.
One man who'd just arrived at his house from out of town said he was still trying to absorb the shock of what happened.
Yesterday he was confronted with the aftermath of a crime scene outside his backyard.
A small bunch of flowers, invisible from just a few metres away in the undulating, vegetation-covered dunes, marked the spot where the boy was found.
No further charges have been laid, and nobody else arrested in connection with Alex's disappearance, but police said it was still possible more people could help the investigation.
Police have established a phone number - 0800 234 7437 - to report any sightings of Alex or his brother Eric around Waitarere, or the forest and beach area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong planned to address media about the Operation Waitarere investigation at 4.30pm today, at the domain.
Around Waitarere, the police presence was scaled back significantly this weekend.
And at Waitarere Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade, there was no sign of the huge search operation that involved up to 130-odd people this week.
Volunteers at the station last night held a function to honour senior firefighter Mark Pescini for 25 years of service.
The volunteers said after this week's tragic news, the function was a chance for the community to do something positive.
Chief Fire Officer Roger Nichol said the search operation based at the brigade was unprecedented.
He expected a big turnout for Alex at the domain tonight, and said people from Waitarere and Levin, where Alex lived, would likely attend.
A gesture locals had in mind for Alex was evident at the local Four Square store this weekend.
The dairy had paper bag lanterns, available for people wanting to attend the vigil.
The bags could be coloured in, or cut out to create patterns, and inside, candle flames were expected to illuminate the domain in memory of Alex.
Mr Wareham said vigil organisers would try to deploy a drone to photograph the vigil from above.
It was initially thought the lanterns would be arranged to spell out Alex's name, but Mr Wareham said the family might not agree with this, and it was possible the organisers would try to spell out "1Waitarere" instead.
Meanwhile, donors have contributed more than $7800 to Mike and Sandra Fisher, Alex's parents, through a Givealittle page.
The page can be found at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/alexfisher/
It's understood a NZDF aircraft and multiple helicopters are involved.