There's an increased police presence in Otorohanga as the man wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 60-year-old grandmother remains at large.
Ross Douglas Bremner, 34, is wanted in relation to the death of his mother, Clare Bremner.
His father Keith, 64, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the events on Tuesday night.
Waikato Police Acting District Commander Naila Hassan said the increased police presence in the township was for the community's protection as well as to help with the hunt for Bremner.
It's believed Bremner may have been driving a Silver 2003 model Holden Vectra, registration BGP561.
"We urge the community to look for that vehicle, search your barns, it may well be the vehicle is parked up somewhere.
"We need the community, they are our eyes and ears and we really do rely on them to help with our investigation.
"If there are people harbouring Mr Bremner we would urge them to contact police, they will be hindering a police investigation."
Hassan was unwilling to comment on the wanted man's mental health condition.
Ross Bremner.
At the conference Mayor Max Baxter thanked the community for its support so far.
"We just hope that Ross is found very, very soon, we just hope and I reinforce the community remains vigilant in their security and keep an eye on each other."
He said it was great to see the community get out there and support the police, not just with information, but with things like baked goods.
However, he urged others on social media to keep their comments to a minimum.
"There's a lot of speculation out there, I urge people to take their social media to a minimum and to not fuel the speculation," he said. "It's not helpful to the police or to the morale of the community either."
