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Home / New Zealand

Police investigating after two children found dead in Ruakākā, Northland

By Mike Dinsdale & Imran Ali
Northern Advocate·
14 May, 2023 11:31 PM3 mins to read

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There is a heavy police presence in Peter Snell Drive in Ruakākā after two bodies were found at a house. Photo / Michael Cunningham

There is a heavy police presence in Peter Snell Drive in Ruakākā after two bodies were found at a house. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Northland police have this hour confirmed they have launched a double homicide investigation in relation to the death of two children in Ruakākā this morning.

Emergency services were called to a home in Ruakākā about 7.30am this morning after reports of problems at the home on Peter Snell Rd.

It’s understood the bodies of two children were found at the property, between Tamingi St and Tiki Pl along Peter Snell Rd.

Detective Inspector Bridget Doell said one person was being spoken to by police and police aren’t seeking anybody else.

“Our investigation is still in the early stages and we are currently speaking with a person as part of our enquiries. We will continue to support the Ruakākā community through this understandably distressing time.

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“While we appreciate the wider interest in what has occurred, Police aren’t in a position to release any further details at this stage,” she said.

Doell said while officers were speaking to a person of interest, police would like to hear from anyone in the area at the time the children were found dead to assist with the investigation.

Police, Hato Hone St John and FENZ were at the home this morning.

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A house between Tamingi St and Tiki Pl along Peter Snell Rd has been cordoned off.

Multiple police cars are at the scene, carrying out preliminary investigation.

Officers can be seen speaking to the occupants of neighbouring properties.

“There will be an increased Police presence in the area, and we will provide further updates as our investigation progresses.

“We continue to encourage the Northland community to look out for one another, and if anyone requires further assistance there are a number of support agencies available,” Doell said.

Police at the cordon on Peter Snell Rd in Ruakaka, Northland after two people were found dead this morning. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Police at the cordon on Peter Snell Rd in Ruakaka, Northland after two people were found dead this morning. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Bream Bay College principal Wayne Buckland said the school was aware of a significant incident nearby and has support systems in place for any of its students who have been affected by the deaths.

“We have informed our Board of Trustees. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as and when needed. We have had no indications of safety issues for our students who are attending school.“

”We have a very good working relationship with the local police, and they have informed us that there are no safety concerns for our students or operations,” Buckland said.

Police at cordon on Peter Snell Rd, Ruakaka in Northland while investigating the death of two children. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Police at cordon on Peter Snell Rd, Ruakaka in Northland while investigating the death of two children. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Business owners in Ruakākā Town Centre say news of the death of two people on the first trading day of the week is upsetting.

One business owner said the usually quiet area was rocked by such sobering news, but the fact police were not looking at anyone else in relation to the deaths was a relief in some ways. She hoped the police presence would be scaled down as the day progresses.

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Ruakākā is a beachside community in the Bream Bay area 30km south of Whangārei.

Ruakākā is 30km south of Whangārei. Photo / Google Maps
Ruakākā is 30km south of Whangārei. Photo / Google Maps

No further details are available at this stage.

More to come.


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