Mt Albert attacker remains on the loose

Nathan Mata Pukeroa , 24 , died after being attacked outside a Renton Rd, Mt Albert. Photo / Supplied

Police are yet to find the weapon that was used in the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Nathan Pukeroa in Mt Albert last week.

The attacker remains on the loose and police are yet to determine his identity.

Mr Pukeroa died in the early hours of Thursday morning on the street outside a home he was visiting on Renton Rd - in a residential pocket of the central Auckland suburb, lined with feijoa trees and home to families who were shocked by what had happened.

But one neighbour described the address outside which the two men were stabbed as a "Mecca of trouble".

A second man, 22, was seriously injured by the same attacker and police believe all parties were known to each other.

The investigation team is appealing to residents in and around Renton Rd to search their properties and advise police immediately if they find any sharp object that could be used as a weapon.

Detective Inspector Chris Cahill said it was important that members of the community reported any suspicious behaviour in the area over the past several weeks.

"We don't know who killed Nathan and we are exploring all avenues of inquiry, including the possibility that someone who lives in the area is responsible for the fatal attack last Thursday morning," he said.

A red Toyota ute was seen speeding away from the scene after the attack, which occurred about 12.15am.

A witness had seen the ute visiting the property - which belongs to Housing New Zealand - on previous occasions.

Police say the ute could provide vital clues to the case and want 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 Pukeroa was buried yesterday at Pawarenga, in the Far North.

• Police encourage anyone with information about the case to call Avondale CIB on 09 820 5784 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.