More arrests in Far North murder case

More arrests have been made in relation to the murder of Lee Rata on New Year's Eve in Kaitaia.

Mr Rata, 35, was severely beaten on Bonnett Rd in Kaitaia on New Year's Eve while a wedding party was taking place at a nearby home. He was found by a passer-by and died the following day in hospital.

Police had already charged one man with murder and yesterday following raids on gang homes in Moerewa, arrested three men and a woman, all with links to the Mongrel Mob.

They will be appearing in the Kaikohe District Court today on a number of charges including murder, party to murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

"We have been receiving great assistance from the public who have supplied information that has been crucial in achieving today's results. The investigation team has been working tirelessly to see these people are held to account," said Detective Inspector Kevin Burke.

"I believe that many reluctant witnesses who were in fear of reprisals from gang members will now have the confidence to come forward."