Kawerau mother Korrey Whyman shot at Mourea remembered by friends for her 'beautiful smile'

Police examine a ute outside The Happy Angler Store. Inset: Korrey Whyman. Photo / Composite

A young mum shot and killed near Mourea at the weekend is being remembered for her "beautiful smile" and humble personality.

Korrey Whyman, 28, from Kawerau died on Wednesday, three days after she was found shot in a grey ute outside the Happy Angler Store & Takeaway near Rotorua in the early hours of the morning.

Her friends say she will be missed and it was tragic: "Her babies are left with no mamma."

Police have launched a homicide investigation after Whyman was found inside the vehicle about 1.55am Sunday with a serious gunshot wound.

She was rushed to Waikato Hospital but died on Wednesday morning.

Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said they were piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.

Pilbrow said the incident started on State Highway 33 near Rotorua Airport where a vehicle was following another vehicle firing multiple shots.

Whyman was in a vehicle that came to a stop at the store.

A friend, Nae Wiremu, was shocked to hear Whyman had died.

She described her as her "best friend" and they used to work together a few years ago at kiwifruit packhouse Trevelyan's Pack & Cool in Te Puke.

Wiremu described Whyman as a "very humble person".

"She's going to be missed a lot, I tell you now. Her babies are left with no mamma. She was a beautiful person inside and out ... She will be dearly missed."

Family members approached by the Rotorua Daily Post declined to comment but some have posted comments on a News Whakatane Facebook post saying they would forever keep her memory alive.

Whyman's neighbour, who only wanted to be known as Georgie, said she lived near Whyman in the Cobham Drive area.

"I didn't know her personally but I knew her from a distance. A polite wave, soft hello and a lovely smile to myself and my kids. A beautiful girl trying her best, taken way too soon."

Georgie said her thoughts were with those who cared for her and showed her "pure love".

"She used to walk past with a pram but I hadn't seen her for a little bit."

Another friend told the Rotorua Daily Post Whyman was "humble and strong and cool to work with" in the kiwifruit packhouse in Te Puke.

"She was easy to talk to and always had a smile."

Josie Powhare, whose daughter knew Whyman, told the Rotorua Daily Post those who knew what happened on the night of the shooting should speak up and not be afraid.

"The way she died is what hits a lot of people in general."

Police appeal for information

Rotorua police are still working to identify the person or people involved in the incident and were working through a number of lines of inquiry.

Detective inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said police were asking anyone with information to contact police quoting file number 220925/5119.

Pilbrow said they were particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage or were driving on the route of interest - SH33 between Rotorua Airport and Mourea.

Korrey Whyman's death is being treated as a homicide. Photo / Supplied

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have been canvassing the area for CCTV and carrying out area inquiries.

Pilbrow said the family was devastated by her death and had now released a photo of her.

"Our investigation is progressing and we want to thank those members of the public who have come forward with information."