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Police have also named the homicide victim as Te Reo Wickliffe-Heta.
The 24-year-old Hamilton man, believed to be a Mongrel Mob member, was found dead in a driveway in Sundown Cres in the Hamilton suburb of Melville just after midnight on Saturday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Terri Wilson today said police extended their sympathies to his loved ones.
“The homicide investigation in relation to Te Reo’s death is ongoing,” she said in a statement.
“A 24-year-old woman has been charged with assault and will be appearing in Hamilton District Court. Further charges are likely.”
A close friend of Wickliffe-Heta’s called him “a unique friend” and said, “the memories of [their] friendship will endure forever”.
The bereft friend said: “Thank you ... for keeping me company and serving and protecting me, but most of all, sharing your wisdom and knowledge when I needed it the most.
“It may be saddening, unjust and unfortunate, but good people who pass away young, I believe, [it] is because they had done so much good that they don’t have much to learn from life anymore and their journey is finally over.”
Police continue to appeal for any residents of Sundown Cres who may have relevant CCTV footage to get in touch.
“Initial inquiries indicate that he had earlier been involved in an incident at another property on Sundown Cres,” an earlier police statement said.
“A man linked to that address is assisting police with our inquiries.”
Wickliffe-Heta, 24, was found dead in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Scene guards were in place yesterday at both Sundown Cres houses.
If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 231230/5501.
Wickliffe-Heta’s loved ones have shared tributes to him on social media.
“Rage in the heavens with your old man,” one person wrote.
Another wrote for Wickliffe-Heta to fly the highest “in the reddest clouds”.
The funeral begins today, with the final funeral service and cremation to be held on Wednesday next week.
Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime, justice and news in the capital. She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 10 years.
