Paekakariki Hill Rd stabbing: 'Very good progress' made

Matthew Stevens at Countdown on High Street in Lower Hutt the night he died. Photo / NZ Police

Police say they have received promising feedback after releasing the last known footage of Matthew Stevens, who was found dead on Friday.

A homicide inquiry, Operation Vintage, was launched after Mr Stevens, 32, was found on Paekakariki Hill Road, north of Wellington, near his damaged car on Friday morning. He sustained fatal stab wounds.

In a fresh bid to solve the mysterious homicide, police released CCTV images of Mr Stevens at Countdown on High St, Lower Hutt, where he went to buy alcohol at about 10.35pm on Thursday.

This afternoon, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears said he was confident police were now "making very good progress" but there was more work to be done.

Police had removed several items, including towels, from a house in Oxford Terrace, Lower Hutt, where Mr Stevens might have visited.

"We're doing a thorough forensic scene examination," Mr Sears said. "We've had detectives and scientists there. We're looking to establish a link with Mr Stevens and that address, or to ascertain if something has happened at that address."

Mr Sears said police would focus on examining the Oxford Terrace address and several cars possibly connected to the homicide. Police would also interview Mr Stevens' friends and associates.

"We've spent a lot of time with the family. They're helping us a great deal. They're obviously very upset and it's difficult for them but they're assisting us greatly with his movements in recent times and his associates, and any issues he [might have had]."

Mr Sears said police were keeping an open mind about various facets of the homicide.

"We're yet to decide or determine whether the vehicle was the scene of the attack. It may be that he was attacked in another location."

Mr Sears had worked as a painter but was looking to change professions, Mr Sears said.

Police still wanted to hear from anyone who had seen Mr Stevens' Toyota Corolla, registration number RZ1852, after 10.30pm on Thursday.

Mr Sears encouraged anybody with possibly useful information, including those who had taken to social media to share their thoughts, to contact police.

Members of the public could call 04 381 2000 and ask for the Operation Vintage investigation team, or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.