Opotiki residents will march today to protest against violent crime and the murder of retired schoolteacher John Rowe.
Police are continuing their hunt for the 78-year-old's killer or killers, and march organisers say they hope the protest will encourage people to come forward with information.
Mayor John Forbes,
who will speak at the march, says it is also a chance for locals to vent their feelings about the murder.
He said Opotiki had been dealing with Mr Rowe's death "in its own way", but locals felt "frustrated and angry" and were struggling to comprehend the crime.
The Bay of Plenty town faced the same issues with violence as other communities, but the brutal bashing of the frail 78-year-old in his bed was on "a whole new level".
Mr Forbes said showing sympathy for Mr Rowe's family was an important purpose of the march, as was finding answers for tackling violent crime.
Mr Rowe died of extensive head injuries after being bashed with a blunt instrument in his Windsor St home nine days ago.
On Monday, the brother of murdered Tokoroa schoolteacher Lois Dear voiced concern about a lack of outrage at Mr Rowe's murder, saying a rally and marches had been held following his sister's death.
But today's march organiser, Whakatohea Iwi Social and Health Services, said it had wanted to give the Rowe family time to grieve before taking any action.
The iwi trust board chairman Robert Edwards, and representatives of family violence groups and other social agencies would also speak at the march.
Detective Inspector Rob Jones, who is heading the investigation into Mr Rowe's death, and Mr Rowe's daughter, Wendy, were also expected to attend.
The march begins at Whakatohea Iwi Social and Health Services on Opotiki's main street, Church St, at 12.30pm. People are asked to congregate at 12.15pm.
