Search continues for fifth suspect

Police throughout New Zealand are on high alert trying to track the remaining person wanted in relation to an incident in Featherston that resulted in the death of supermarket worker Glen Jones early Saturday.

Hayden Ranson, 27, is believed to be in the central North Island or further north and is the last of five people sought in relation to the death of Mr Jones.

Three others - a man aged 28 and two women aged 32 and 22 - have already appeared in court and have interim name suppression and the fourth, Kristofer Jones, 23, who also fled but was found and arrested in Hunterville at 2am yesterday, appeared in Palmerston North District Court yesterday.

Like the others he was charged with aggravated burglary and was remanded to appear alongside his co-accused in Masterton District Court on Friday.

Jones appeared in court yesterday in a prison-issue white boiler suit, entered no plea and will be held in custody at the request of police until his Masterton appearance.

He stared straight at Justice of the Peace Ray Bensemann as he was charged and nodded when asked if he understood.

Meanwhile the distraught family of Glen Jones has issued a statement telling of their devastation.

The family said Glen Jones was loved by them and his friends and would be especially missed by his nieces and nephews.

"He was part of the fabric of the Featherston community and lots of people looked out for him.

"We know many people around town had a soft spot for Jonesy and will sympathise with our grief."

The family said the support they had been shown since the death of Glen Jones had been "overwhelming".

"We sincerely want to thank you all for that."

The media had supported appeals for information and respected the family's privacy.

However, the Jones family has acknowledged media will attend the funeral of Glen Jones, to be held in Featherston's Anzac Hall on Friday but have asked reporters and photographers not to go into the hall during the service.

Police communications manager Nick Bohm confirmed late yesterday that Ranson was being "actively pursued" by staff throughout the country.