Police investigation launched after human remains found in Wellington garden

The human remains were found by a homeowner while gardening on Sunday. Photo / NZME

A man living near a Wellington property where human remains have been discovered says the neighbourhood is typically quiet and a little “country-ish”.

A police investigation is under way after a homeowner on Happy Valley Rd in Ōwhiro Bay found the remains in their garden on Sunday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lee Underhill said a police team was sent to the address yesterday afternoon.

“After consulting a forensic anthropologist and pathologist, the partial remains were determined to be human.

“Inquiries will look to determine how old these remains are, followed by a formal identification process, which may take some time,” Underhill said.

Locals say forensics staff could be seen digging in the front yard of a house yesterday. The Herald spoke to two neighbours on Tuesday who confirmed the address where the remains were found.

One said the house had recently been sold.

Neighbour Chris Patton said he saw about three or four police officers outside the house on Monday while he was out sweeping his property.

Patton said it’s typically a quiet neighbourhood.

“It’s good down here, everybody’s quiet and leaves everybody alone, it’s kind of country-ish.”

He said the remains could have come from anywhere.

“Could have been there for 100 years”.

Police said part of their investigations will include contacting former owners of the property.

Underhill encouraged anyone with information to contact police via 105, using reference file number 250622/3189.