Arrest in Whangamata murder case

Forensic scientists arrive to examine the scene of the homicide at Whangamata. Photo/file

A man has been arrested for murder following the death of a Whangamata man earlier this month.

Ivan Peter Kapluggin, 76, was found dead in his Achilles Ave home on February 3.

Waikato police this morning announced the arrest of a 61-year-old Whangamata man who will appear in Hamiton District Court today charged with Mr Kapluggin's murder.

District crime manager Detective Inspector Karl Thornton said the arrest was made yesterday.

"Officers have spoken to Mr Kapluggin's family and expressed our condolences for their loss.

''The family have expressed their gratitude to our staff for being able to hold someone to account and have requested their privacy be respected."

Police appealed for public information in the days following Mr Kapluggin's death.

Neighbours told the Bay of Plenty Times at the time they were surprised such an incident could have happened in an area described as safe, quiet and filled with unoccupied baches and holiday houses.

Mr Thornton said police would like to thank all the members of the public who assisted police throughout their investigation.