A 26-year-old man has been charged with murdering Chad Parekura, who was fatally stabbed in Invercargill on Saturday.
Chad Parekura Photo: Supplied / GiveaLittle
Parekura, originally from Wellington, was found dead in Don St early on Saturday.
A second man at the scene was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Police said in a statement this afternoon that a man was arrested following search warrants at two Invercargill properties this morning.
He also faces a charge of attempted murder, in relation to the second victim who was also stabbed and remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Police said they were not looking for any other suspects directly involved in the incident.
"While today's arrest will not take away from the loss experienced by Chad's family or the distress caused to our second victim, we are pleased to be in a position where we can hold the alleged offender accountable," said detective senior sergeant Greg Baird.
A Givealittle page, set up to help raise money for Parekura's family and son, said he grew up in Lower Hutt, had always been "very proud" of where he was from and had moved to Invercargill to work in farming.
"He really did turn his whole life around for his family when this happened," the page stated.
Police thanked staff, including those who had travelled to the area to help, "for their tireless efforts since early Saturday morning".
Police are appealing to the public for information.
Anyone with information, including CCTV or dash camera footage, is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 220423/7854.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.