Man charged with murder of Whangārei motorcyclist found dead in creek

Police are seeking sightings of this red Daihatsu between the hours of 8.15pm and 9.15pm on January 28 near the Ōtaika Valley Rd and Mangakahia Rd areas as part of their investigation. Photo / New Zealand Police

The funeral for 18-year-old Northland motorcyclist Kyle Zachary Jenkins has taken place the day a man was charged with his murder.

Jenkins was found dead in a creek near Whangārei on January 29.

His motorbike was found on the side of the road in a layby area on State Highway 15-Ōtaika Valley Rd.

An autopsy revealed the teenager was shot, and police launched a homicide investigation on January 30.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said search warrants had been carried out over the past few days and a person of interest was spoken to late yesterday.

As a result, a 20-year-old man appeared in court today charged with Jenkins’ murder.

The man briefly appeared before Justice of the Peace Kim Kerr in Whangārei District Court, wearing a long-sleeved, hooded T-shirt. He entered no plea.

His lawyer Matthew Ridgley requested interim name suppression, for his and his family’s safety as well as fair trial rights.

He was remanded in custody, to appear in the High Court at Whangārei later this month.

Pilmer said information from public appeals had helped the investigation.

Police are seeking sightings of this red Daihatsu with faded red panels on the driver's side between the hours of 8.15pm and 9.15pm on January 28. Photo / New Zealand Police

Police were seeking sightings of a red Daihatsu in the Ōtaika Valley Rd and Mangakahia Rd areas on January 28, between 8.15pm and 9.15pm.

The vehicle has distinctive faded red panels on the front driver’s side.

“If you have dashcam footage, or can assist with the movements of this vehicle, please contact us,” Pilmer said.

Police would be conducting checkpoints in the Ōtaika Valley Rd area this evening as well as an area canvass as part of appeals. Jenkins’ family had been advised of the arrest.

“Our thoughts are with his family, as they continue to grieve the loss of a son and prepare for his funeral today,” Pilmer said.

An online portal has been set up for any footage or photographs to be uploaded via distant.nc3.govt.nz.

Anyone with further information should call police on 105 and reference file number 250129/0335.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.