Murder charge over the death of tribesman gang member Kimble Moore

Police have charged a 35-year-old Far North man with the murder of Tribesman gang member Kimble Moore. Photo / NZ Police

Police have charged a 35-year-old Far North man with the murder of Tribesman gang member Kimble Moore.

Moore's body was discovered in a remote grave in Northland bush in September last year.

He was first reported missing on March 18, 2016 by his partner and police launched a long-running missing person's inquiry, before upgrading the case to a homicide last August.

The accused was charged with murder and is already in police custody on other matters.

He will appear in Kaitaia District Court later this month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston, who headed the investigation, said: "It's been a long and tough year for Kimble's partner and family, and also for the dedicated officers working on this inquiry.

"It's very pleasing to finally be able to hold someone to account, and we hope that it assists Kimble's partner and family in their recovery."

After Moore's body was found, a brief service was held in the bush last October for the 48-year-old.

Iris Simeon, the mother of Moore's partner said at the time: "Hopefully, this is the end of it all."

"Our family has been through it all," she said.

Moore's mother, Erana Moore (Ngati Kahu), also previously said her son was the eldest of seven siblings and had moved to Kaitaia in 2013 following a period in prison.

She said the Tribesmen Motorcycle Club member hoped to open a butchery in the Far North.

Moore grew up in Mangere and was a butcher by trade. He had been involved with gangs since the age of 18.

Moore's 57-year-old brother Gary Moore was also the subject of a second, unrelated homicide inquiry.

Gary's body was found at his home in Otara on July 31 last year.

Teina Taunga​ was charged with Gary's murder and is set for a two-week trial in May this year.