Police launch homicide inquiry

Police launched a homicide inquiry after a 28-year-old local woman was run over by a vehicle in Pukepoto Road, Kaitaia, on Tuesday night.

The mother of two was admitted to Kaitaia Hospital then flown by rescue helicopter to Whangarei, where she died soon after 5am yesterday.

She was named as Georgina Manuel.

A 45-year-old man presented himself at the Whangarei police station shortly before noon yesterday.

No charges had been laid at the time of going to print, however, and the inquiry was continuing, but police confirmed that they were not looking for anyone else.

Police found the car they believed to have been involved in nearby Grigg Street, and were subjecting it to a forensic examination yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Geoff Ryan, officer in charge in Kaitaia, said the deceased was believed to have been involved in a domestic dispute near the intersection of Pukepoto and Bonnett roads about 10pm on Tuesday night.

The Kaitaia CIB, the Whangarei-based Serious Crash Unit, Victim Support and Iwi Liaison were all called out on Tuesday night.

The inquiry is now headed by acting Northland criminal investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke.

Senior Sergeant Ryan said the victim's children were in the care of family members.

Police would like to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything in the vicinity of Pukepoto Road/Grigg Street at around 10pm on Tuesday.

Anyone with information should call the Kaitaia police station on (09) 408-6500.

Or you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555-111.