Cordon remains at scene

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A POST-mortem examination will be conducted tomorrow to determine how a Tokomaru Bay man died, as part of the ongoing homicide investigation that continues in the coastal settlement today.

The 48-year-old man was found in the burning lounge room of his home at around 2am on Sunday morning.

Police believe the man was killed at the property before the fire started.

'The man's body was removed from the house yesterday afternoon and has been taken to Palmerston North where a post-mortem examination will be conducted tomorrow,' said Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Ford.

'Once that has been completed he will be released to his grieving family.'

The home where the fire started and adjoining properties remain cordoned off.

Det Snr Sgt Ford said detectives and ESR scientists were continuing their scene examination today.

'We hope to conclude that today, and the cordon will be lifted.'

He said the inquiry team believe there will be people in the Tokomaru Bay community who will be able to provide helpful information about the man's death.

'Our inquiries continue around the community and we encourage anyone with information to come forward.

'We encourage people to come and talk to us.'

The inquiry team have based themselves at the Tokomaru Bay police station.

'Anyone who wants to talk to us can go there.'

The fire in the house was put out by firefighters from FENZ Tokomaru Bay volunteers and was confined to the lounge room.