Mystery continues to shroud the death of a man whose badly decomposed body was found inside a Porirua home after neighbours reported a strong smell.
The man's body was found on the floor of a Titahi Bay house on Sunday.
Police have this afternoon revealed that tests on the body have been inconclusive and they will continue to investigate on behalf of the coroner.
"At this stage, due to the extensive decomposition of the body, we are open minded as to the circumstances of the death and will now conduct a thorough investigation on behalf of the coroner," police said in a statement.
A couple in their late 50s lived in the Housing New Zealand home.
"The woman living at the property was initially taken away by police however has not been charged.
"While there are some unusual circumstances regarding the length of time the body of the deceased was in the home, initial enquiries suggest that this may be consistent with certain cultural beliefs and practices, this is an aspect of the investigation that is currently being explored."