A man has had an assault charge upgraded to murder after a 42-year-old was found dead at a South Auckland house last month.
The man's body was found by police at a house on Waimana Rd in Conifer Grove on September 23.
They were called to the address by a 39-year-old man who was originally charged with assault, but that was amended to murder in Papakura District Court this afternoon.
Police had previously indicated they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death and more serious charges had been likely.
The defendant was given interim name suppression until next month when he will appear before the High Court at Auckland.
On the evening of the incident, a mobile police station truck was parked outside the house as forensic staff undertook their investigation.
Neighbours said they had not been told what happened but believed a man and woman lived at the address.
The victim's name was also suppressed but briefly varied so family could post a death notice.