Whangārei motorcyclist death: Police launch homicide investigation

Pilmer said they were still figuring out the reason for the homicide.

Details about the motorcyclist would be released once formal identification procedures were complete.

A post-mortem examination was underway.

Police are focused on tracking the whereabouts of a blue and silver coloured road bike found in the layby area.

Pilmer said they were interested in sightings of the bike between 8pm on Tuesday and 5am yesterday.

Police also wanted dashcam or CCTV footage from Ōtaika Valley Rd, between the intersections of SH14 and Loop and Cemetery roads, during that same time period.

“I am asking anyone with a dashcam or CCTV cameras to prioritise checking these now, and contact our investigation team,” Pilmer said.

People can upload photos or footage to an online portal.

Information can also be provided to police via 105 – reference file number 250129/0335 – anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

A rāhui has been placed by Te Parawhau hapū on the area the man was found dead. It will lift on Friday at 8pm.