His own dealings with the man were "reasonably normal" and he said the man spent much of his time adding improvements to the shed he lives in, which is enclosed by high deer fences.
Police announced last week they had found the blue Jeep Cherokee seen speeding away from 67-year-old Mr Taiaroa after he was shot while directing traffic at Atiamuri on March 19 but are still appealing for sightings of the jeep and its driver leading up to and after the murder.
They would not comment on the case except to confirm a house in Taranaki had been searched as one of a number of search warrants carried out.