Homicide probe continuing

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A homicide investigation continues in Woodville as police seek the weapon and shooter responsible for the death of a Pahiatua man.

James Poto Whatuira, 49, known to most as Poto, was killed by a single gunshot wound and was found dead by police at a Woodville home on January 4.

"Inquiries in an effort to locate the weapon are ongoing and officers are continuing to speak to witnesses," a police spokeswoman said.

"We still want to speak to anyone that has any information about the death of Mr Whatuira including sightings of the Ford Falcon vehicle."

The vehicle of interest in the investigation is described by police as a 2005 silver Ford Falcon XR6 Saloon, with the registration CRL12.

Police have declined to name the owner of the car and it's association to claims of the alleged drug-related shooting.

The spokeswoman was not prepared to confirm what type of firearm was used for fear of jeopardising the investigation.

The house where Mr Whatuira's body was found was also the scene of a stabbing on October 23 last year, where a man received abdomen and face wounds, while another man suffered injuries to his hand.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Claire Adkins on (06) 210 2201.