Police investigating Wikaira murder find firearm in river

Police have found a firearm partly submerged in a river. File photo / NZ Herald

Police investigating the murder of central North Island man Nikora Wikaira have found a firearm partly submerged in a river.

The 58-year-old man's body was discovered in a shallow grave in his home town Ongarue yesterday.

Benjamin Wikaira, 57, understood to be the victim's brother, has been charged with murder and remains in custody while awaiting his next court appearance next month.

Police said today that 30 officers were involved with the investigation and were canvassing the area and speaking with locals.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby said officers searching a riverbank yesterday found a firearm partly submerged in the river. It had been secured and would be forensically examined.

The preliminary post-mortem examination results had identified a single gunshot wound to Mr Wikaira's upper body.

An examination of the grave site had been completed three other examinations should be completed within the next two days.

A key focus for police today was trying to piece together activities in the Ongarue area leading up to the discovery of the body, Mr Kirby said.

It was understood that during daylight hours on Tuesday the alleged offender hitchhiked from the Ongarue Rd turnoff and was picked up by a motorist and given a ride to Taumarunui.

He had made some purchases before catching a ride back to the turnoff.

"Police are keen to speak to the people that gave this man a ride. I want to reassure these people that they are not in any trouble - we just need to verify some information," Mr Kirby said.

The 57-year-old alleged offender was described as Maori with greying dark hair and brown eyes, thin build and average height.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Taumarunui Police on (07) 895 8119 or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.