Maqbool Hussain death: Man arrested in Taupo

Justin Turner has been arrested by Taupo police.

Auckland police have welcomed the arrest of a fugitive wanted for the murder of homeless man Maqbool Hussain.

Taupo police have arrested 28-year-old Justin Vance Turner who was wanted on warrant by Auckland City Police for the murder of 49-year-old Maqbool Hussain in Balmoral on the weekend of March 22 and 23.

A member of the public called police after observing a man behaving suspiciously near the Taupo wharf.

When police arrived the man was confirmed to be Justin Turner who was reportedly last seen in Featherston early on Saturday, March 29.

Members of the Operation Gridley homicide investigation team will travel to Taupo today to interview Turner.

It's not known how long he has been in Taupo or how he got there.

Officer in charge of the homicide investigation, Detective Inspector Chris Cahill, said finding Turner was a welcome breakthrough for the team that's been working solidly since Mr Hussain's body was found in his Balmoral sleepout on Monday, March 24.

"As with all such investigations, this is just another step in a process so we won't be slowing down but it is good to know that Mr Turner is in custody.

"We have a lot more work to do on the investigation so anyone who has information should share it with us."