A Whangarei man charged with the murder of a woman, has appeared in court today (Saturday) and will reappear on Monday.
The body of the 21-year-old woman was removed from the Waiarohia stream by Tarewa Road early on Friday morning.
Her name and that of the 29-year-old accused are yet to be released.
Police in Whangarei had earlier said the man knew the victim, but their exact relationship was unknown.
Scene examinations are continuing, however the police have opened up part of the cordoned off area, allowing access to the Tarewa Shopping Centre from the Walton Street end of Tarewa Road.
The 29-year-old man was arrested late on Friday, police said. The body of the 21-year-old woman, who was known to the accused, was found in Waiarohia Stream about 4.20am on Friday.
An autopsy has been carried out in Auckland but police have yet to confirm her identity or cause of death.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie appealed for witnesses of suspicious activity in the Tawera Road area around the time of the murder to come forward.
Information can be passed on to Mr Begbie at Whangarei Police Station on 09 4304500
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