Police focused on finding identity of bones uncovered at Mt Eden property

Police remain at the scene at Marlborough St in Mt Eden after human remains were discovered there last week. Photo / Alex Burton

Police investigating the discovery of human remains at a Mt Eden property last week say it could take several weeks before they can confirm the identity of the person.

The deceased was removed from the property at Marlborough St, Mt Eden, to the mortuary late yesterday afternoon and a post mortem began at Auckland Hospital Mortuary this morning.

"This is a challenging and complex investigation which is expected to take some time before we are in a position to establish the circumstances surrounding the death," Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said.

"This is meticulous and challenging work for the pathologist and their findings are not expected to be available to police for some time," a police statement said.

It is possible that the person died some years ago and identification can only occur if police and ESR have a comparative DNA sample that the deceased's DNA can be compared to.

Neigbours told the Herald the owner was a recluse who went missing about a decade ago - but police would not speculate on the deceased's identity.

Police, however, confirmed they were not aware of a missing persons report that could be linked to the deceased.

Baldwin said police were focused on establishing the identity of the deceased, which includes identifying and speaking with former occupants and residents of the property.

Police had received a positive response from members of public contacting them with information, he said.

ESR scientists were also examining a large piece of concrete that has been removed from the property.

Police remain at the scene today while they carry out a scene examination.

A karakia is being arranged with the grateful assistance of local kaumatua.