Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A man and a 14-year-old have been arrested in relation to the murder of a man in Whakatāne earlier this month.
Police named the deceased as 47-year-old Claude Te Rangiatahua Takao.
Takao was found dead down a bank in Whakatāne on 1 June and a homicide investigation was launched.
On Wednesday, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson said a 31-year-old man had been arrested and and was due to appear in Whakatāne District Court on Wednesday on a murder charge.
A 14-year-old was also arrested in relation to the death and charged with aggravated robbery and kidnapping. The teenager was due to appear in Whakatāne Youth Court on Wednesday.
Two other men, 32 and 25, have already appeared in court in relation to Takao's death.
They are both charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of aggravated robbery.
But the 25-year-old, who is due to reappear in court today will also now face a murder charge.
"We hope these arrests will bring comfort to Mr Takao's family and reassurance that those who commit serious offences will be held to account," WIlson said.
"This is an active homicide investigation, and we continue to appeal for information."
Anyone with information can contact police on 105 or online, quoting 230531/6168.
Information can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
