Ngāruawāhia homicide investigation: Police name victim as Turipapa Tukere

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a 42-year-old woman died in Ngāruawāhia. Photo / NZME

• Police have named the woman who died in Ngāruawāhia as 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere.
• Acting Detective Inspector Andy Saunders urged witnesses to come forward with information about the brawl.
• Increased police presence and reassurance patrols will continue in the area during the investigation.

Police have revealed the name of the woman who died in Ngāruawāhia on Friday after a violent brawl.

She was 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere of Ngāruawāhia.

Police were called to a fight between multiple people on Waipa Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton St, about 1.30pm.

A critically injured woman was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan St, but died before she could be airlifted to the hospital.

A homicide investigation is under way and Acting Detective Inspector Andy Saunders, of the Waikato CIB, said police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Tukere’s death.

“Someone who was present at that fight knows who is responsible,” he said in a statement on Monday.

“We are pleading with those people to come forward and speak to us.”

Saunders said police are “committed to identifying who is responsible for Turipapa’s death”.

“There are people who know who is responsible and who are withholding information from the Police, but now is the time to do the right thing and speak to us.”

The increased police presence will remain in the area.

“We know this is unsettling for our community and those involved, and officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area,” he said.

Anyone with information that could assist the inquiries is urged to contact the police online or call 105, quoting the reference number 241227/6958.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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