Dual murder inquiry widens

More than 100 people throughout the North Island have been interviewed about the murder of a Western Bay couple, as police continue their efforts to find the killer.

The bodies of Mikaere Douglas O'Sullivan, 42, and Toni-Anne Nathan, 39, were discovered beneath the Wairoa River bridge, 15km north of Tauranga, about 6.45am on Monday, last week.

A post-mortem examination has determined that both died from shotgun wounds.

Police launched an intensive investigation initially focused around the scene beneath the bridge, where the bloodied bodies were discovered by two teenage kayakers.

The investigation has now broadened from Tauranga and police have interviewed people in West Auckland and Whangamata.

Investigation head Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said police were starting to build up a picture of the couple who had moved to Omokoroa around three months ago.

"They seemed to be well liked, hard working and that's what seems to be coming through," Mr Turner said.

The team of 25 investigators would split into two and work one day of the weekend each, before handing over to the second shift. They would continue to interview more people, either over the phone or in person.

A full team would start again tomorrow.

There are no key suspects yet in the case, but police hope service station security camera footage will turn up some clues.

Mr Turner said there was still plenty of work to be done.

Mr O'Sullivan was laid to rest in a Rotorua cemetery on Friday, after the burial of his long-term partner, Ms Nathan, near Opononi in Northland on Thursday.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES