Children saw fatal attack on father

Children of a 29-year-old father of four witnessed the "traumatic" events that led to his death in Northland last night, police say.

A homicide investigation was launched after the man was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Kaitaia Hospital about 10.30pm yesterday.

Police said the man's death was believed to have been related to a dispute in the Fairburn Rd area of the town earlier that night. A 50-year-old man has been arrested over the incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said police were doing everything they could to support the victim's four children, aged between 3 and 13, at least two of whom witnessed the incident.

"They have witnessed a very traumatic event and have lost a dearly loved relative."

Mr Johnston said police were working closely with Child Youth and Family and Victim Support to provide whatever help they could to the family.

Police child specialists were helping to support to the children, while CYF had supplied specialist interviewers and ongoing trauma counselling.

A team of 17 staff was working on the homicide inquiry.

Police today carried out a number of scene examinations, which would continue tomorrow.

Areas to be examined include a roadside scene and the victim's vehicle, which was recovered nearby.

A post-mortem examination would be carried out in Auckland tomorrow.

Police said a 50-year-old local man was arrested without incident in the early hours of this morning. He would appear in the Kaitaia District Court tomorrow morning.