Police launch homicide investigation after man dies in Wainuiomata

Paul Te Hiko, 40, was found dead at an address in Wainuiomata on Wednesday. Photo/Google Maps

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man's body was found in Wainuiomata.

Paul Te Hiko, 40, was found dead at an address on Jack Vaughan Grove around 11pm on Wednesday.

In a statement police said results from the post mortem indicated he died from a gunshot wound.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears said a team of detectives and experts were investigating.

"The address in Wainuiomata remains cordoned off while a scene examination continues.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in Wainuiomata on Wednesday night."

Lower Hutt mayor Ray Wallace said police had given him a courtesy heads-up about the investigation, and it seemed to be a one-off incident.

"Certainly they have not given us any indication that there was any reason for concern at a community level, gangs or anything like that.

"It's an isolated incident which they are investigating thoroughly.

"Wainuiomata is very much a family-friendly community, so anything like this would be not the norm for Wainuiomata.

"We look forward to the police finishing their investigation so we can find out what exactly happened."

Anyone with information that could assist this investigation was encouraged to ring Lower Hutt Police on 04 560 2600, or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.