Man arrested, homicide investigation launched after stabbing death in Mangamuka, Northland

Police have arrested a second person over the death of a man in the Far North district of Mangamuka last night.

Detective Inspector Al Symonds said a 39-year-old female has now been taken into custody this afternoon.

“The woman has been charged with possesses offensive weapon,” he said.

She is due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court tomorrow.

The homicide investigation remains ongoing.

“We cannot rule out further arrests or charges in relation to this incident as our enquiries continue,” Symonds said.

“A police presence will remain in the area this evening.”

Earlier, a 50-year-old man was charged with murder after a man died of stab wounds. He will appear in Kaikohe Court today.

Emergency services were called to a property in Iwitaua Road around 9pm following reports that a person had been stabbed.

Detective Inspector Al Symonds of the Northland CIB said their investigation teams were yet to make several enquiries about the incident.

He said the “scene guards” would remain in place at the Iwitaua Road property while a scene examination was being completed, a post-mortem was due to take place this afternoon.

Last night a Hato Hone St John spokesperson said two ambulances, one first response unit and a helicopter were attending the unfolding incident, along with Fire and Emergency.

The Advocate understands that the deceased man was in his late 40s and was allegedly walking up a driveway when he was stabbed. After the man was declared dead at the scene, the helicopter was called off and was attended to by the ambulance staff.

Police were told an altercation had taken place at the property and a man had suffered several stab wounds in a statement issued earlier this morning.

“Sadly the man was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the statement said.

Symonds said he understands that the news came as a “shock” to the community. But wanted to reassure people that the stabbing was an “isolated incident.”

“This is a tragic situation and we are ensuring there is support in place for those closest to the victim,” he said.

Additional police presence would be seen in the area while a scene examination was being carried out.

Police said they were not yet in a position to release details about the person who had died.

• Anyone with information was encouraged to contact police by calling 105 or going to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.” They should reference file number 240304/6284.