Rural Pukehina property where two died is linked to former Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron

Two bodies were found in different parts of a property at Old Coach Rd in Pukehina, Bay of Plenty, last week. Photo / NZME

The rural Pukehina property where a man and woman were found dead last week is owned by a company led by former Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron.

A 50-year-old foreign national, who cannot be named, has been charged in relation to the woman’s death, and police are treating the man’s death as unexplained.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson previously said police were notified about 3pm on New Year’s Day of the woman’s death at the property.

Officers learned about 2.10pm the next day of the man’s death in a separate house at the site.

Property records list the rural Old Coach Rd property as owned by Gilston Mains Limited, whose directors are Bruce and Gillian Cameron, Rikki James and Andrew Hans Meier.

Former Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron. Photo / George Novak

Bruce Cameron is a significant figure in the Bay of Plenty horticulture industry.

He stepped down as chairman of kiwifruit marketer Zespri’s board in 2023 after five years in the role.

He declined to comment about the deaths when approached by the Bay of Plenty Times today.

Accused appears in court

The man charged in relation to the woman who died at the property reappeared in the Tauranga District Court today.

He did not enter a plea to the charge of assaulting a person in a family relationship.

An interim order suppressing his name was continued by the court.

Having not sought bail, he was remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Wilson earlier said further charges or arrests had not been ruled out.

Asked today if any arrest had been made in relation to the man’s death, police said there was no update.

Police have urged anyone who was at the property between 7pm on New Year’s Eve and 3am on Friday, January 2, to come forward.

Anyone with any information about what happened was asked to phone the police on 105 or to file an online 105 report, quoting reference file number 260101/9901.

People can also make a report anonymously via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.