The man's body was found in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road. File picture. Photo: Google Maps
Northland police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a motorcyclist in Otaika.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said an investigation had been underway since a member of the public found a body in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road, or State Highway 15, about 5am on Wednesday.
The man's motorcycle was found in a nearby layby.
Pilmer believed the man died some time between 7pm and 11pm on 28 January, in the layby opposite the entrance to Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.
A post-mortem examination and identification procedures were underway.
Pilmer said the investigation team wanted to hear from anyone who had seen the blue-and-silver road bike found parked in the layby.
"We're particularly interested in any sightings of this bike between 8pm on 28 January through to 5am on 29 January," he said.
Police also wanted to hear from anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage around key locations between 7pm on 28 January and 5am on 29 January.
The area of interest was along Otaika Valley Road, between the intersections with State Highway 14, Maungatapere, and Loop and Cemetery Roads, in Otaika.
"I'm asking anyone with a dashcam or CCTV cameras to prioritise checking these now, and contact our investigation team."
Pilmer said police would release more details about the victim once the formal identification process had been completed.
"Our investigation team are working with the family, who are coming to terms with their loved one succumbing to foul play … The investigation is still in its very early stages, and our team will work hard to ensure we get answers as to why this homicide has occurred."
Police working on the investigation, codenamed Operation Distant, had set up a dedicated online portal at distant.nc3.govt.nz so people could upload any footage or photos. https://distant.nc3.govt.nz/
Information could also be provided to police by calling 105 and quoting file number 250129/0335 or, anonymously, via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
State Highway 15 between Otaika and Maungatapere has been closed since Wednesday morning while police carried out their investigation.
NZTA Waka Kotahi said the highway would reopen around 2pm on Thursday.
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