Whangārei motorcyclist death: Police launch homicide investigation

Ōtaika Valley Rd has been closed while officers investigate what police say is a homicide. Photo / Brodie Stone

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a motorcyclist was found dead in a Whangārei creek.

The man’s body was discovered in a creek adjacent to Ōtaika Valley Road, State Highway 15, after 5am on Wednesday.

His motorcycle was found on the side of the road.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said the person’s family members were coming to terms with “their loved one succumbing to foul play”.

Police believe the man was killed on Tuesday between 7pm and 11pm in a layby opposite the entrance to the Ōtaika Valley Scenic Reserve.

Pilmer said police were still figuring out the reason for the homicide.

Details about the motorcyclist would be released once formal identification procedures were complete.

A post-mortem examination was under way.

Police are focused on tracking the whereabouts of a blue and silver coloured road bike found in the layby area.

Pilmer said they were interested in sightings of the bike between 8pm on Tuesday and 5am yesterday.

Police also wanted dashcam or CCTV footage from Ōtaika Valley Rd, between the intersections of SH14 and Loop and Cemetery roads, during that same time period.

“I am asking anyone with a dashcam or CCTV cameras to prioritise checking these now, and contact our investigation team,” Pilmer said.

People can upload photos or footage to an online portal.

Information can also be provided to police via 105 - reference file number 250129/0335 - anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

A rāhui has been placed by Te Parawhau hapū on the area where the man was found dead. It will be lifted on Friday at 8pm.

Ōtaika Valley Rd between SH1 Ōtaika and SH14 Maungatapere has been closed since 9.30am yesterday but was expected to reopen at 2pm.