Body in park found with head injuries

Police stand guard at the scene where a body was found in a South Auckland park. Photo / NZPA

Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found with head injuries behind a block of toilets in South auckland.

Two people waiting to be be picked up for work made the grisly discovery shortly before 7am and called police.

Detective Inspector John Timms said the woman is in her 50s, Maori, and was wearing dark pants, a dark jacket and a multicoloured jacket underneath.

It was previously reported the woman was found semi-naked. Asked about the clothing found on the woman's body, Mr Timms said: "I am not going to comment on the state of dress."

He said a post-mortem examination was being carried out this afternoon to discover the exact cause of death.

He said police are searching the scene, which is being guarded by Maori wardens, for weapons but had not found any yet.

Asked if police had any leads in the case, Mr Timm said it was "early days."

"The major crime team are involved in working on the case - which is one of our new squads and commenced on the 2nd of November - they're experts when it comes to homicides and serious crime investigations."

"They're well-involved and it is a solvable case."

Mr Timms said police would like to speak to anyone who was in Murphy Park in Otahuhu between midnight and 7am, and anyone living in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious.

He said people can call Manukau police on on (09) 295 0200.