KEY POINTS:
A man and woman have been arrested after an 81-year-old Kaikohe resident was found dead in his pensioner flat in the small northern township this morning.
Police said it appeared the man, 44, and woman, 39, were known to the deceased and one of them had a family connection to him.
They will appear in Kaikohe District Court on Tuesday in relation to the man's death.
Police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett earlier said the man was believed to have been violently attacked before he died.
Police launched a homicide investigation being called to his Tawanui Road home by a member of the public this morning.
Police are calling for information on events there this morning, and on a metallic brown Mitsubishi mirage vehicle seen in the area at the time.
A cordon has been set up around the property and 20 officers are investigating.
Ms Kennett could not say if a weapon was being looked for or if the man's family had been contacted.
Anyone with information should contact Ms Kennett on 027-494-1214.
-NZ HERALD STAFF with NZPA
