By Katie Ham of 
Police at Gulf Harbour in Auckland after a fisherman reported finding a body in a bag in the water on 12 March, 2024. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
Three months after her body was pulled from Auckland's Gulf Harbour, police still do not know who the woman wrapped inside black plastic bin bags was.
On 12 March, retiree Paul Middleton was fishing when he made the grisly catch, reeling in what he thought at first was a "chunk of meat".
A homicide investigation was launched, with the priority being to establish who the woman actually was. But, 92 days on, police have not been able to identify her.
Stuff can reveal police have received more than 140 tips about the circumstances surrounding the woman's death to date.
According to Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, the investigation team was continuing to work with partner agencies overseas, including "working closely" with Interpol.
"We continue to have a committed and dedicated team who are focused on identifying this woman and the circumstances behind her death," he said.
"Our enquiries are still very much active to determine the who, when, and why."
Williams said he was still "very interested" in hearing from anyone who might have information about the case.
The investigation team can be called directly on 0800 755 021, or information can be provided via police's 105 phone or online service, referencing file number 240312/9837.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
What do we know about the woman so far?
A blue pyjama pants with a distinct pattern found on the body of a woman found dead in Gulf Harbour on 12 March, 2024. Photo: Supplied / Police
Williams previously said police believe the woman was a female of Asian-descent - possibly Chinese.
He described the woman as small in stature, about 160cm tall, and estimated that she was middle aged.
The woman was wearing navy blue pyjama bottoms with pink hearts and a light-coloured singlet when she was found, Williams said.
Crucially, the singlet is branded with a Chinese logo. Stuff translated the logo as reading: "Juan Yan Brand, 80cm, Juan Yan Knitting Garment Factory".
According to Chinese netizens, the brand of the pyjamas is thought to be old-fashioned, perhaps something an older woman would wear. Two shops with that name can be found in the Jiangsu province of China.
In April, police issued a 'Black Notice' in relation to the woman's death, which is an Interpol notice that appeals for information on unidentified bodies.
A brand's emblem on a light-coloured singlet found on the body of a woman found dead in Gulf Harbour on 12 March, 2024. Photo: Supplied / Police
What don't we know?
As the investigation continues, there appear to be more questions than answers about the circumstances surrounding the woman's death.
Who was she? Where was she from? Why has no-one reported her missing? How did she die? When did she die and how long had she been in the water before she was found?
Was her whole body found? Was anything else found in the bag with her? Who put her in the water - and are they still in New Zealand?
- This story was originally published by Stuff.
