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Home / Waikato News

Hamilton homicide investigation: Police charge man with murder over Lake Cres death of Jason Poa

NZ Herald
24 Dec, 2025 04:11 AM2 mins to read

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Afternoon Headlines | Calls for UN reform as US does not pay its dues, and body found in search for missing rock fisher | Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Police investigating a homicide in Hamilton have charged a man with murder.

Emergency services were called to a Lake Cres address about 6.15pm on Thursday.

A man died at the scene, and another person was taken to Waikato Hospital in serious condition.

Detective Inspector Daryl Smith said the victim was 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene.

Today, Smith said police have arrested a 21-year-old man at an address in Chartwell.

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“He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Friday, December 26 on a murder charge.

“Police are not seeking anybody else in relation to the death.”

Police carry out scene examinations after Jason Poa's death in Lake Cres, Hamilton. Photo / Mike Scott
Police carry out scene examinations after Jason Poa's death in Lake Cres, Hamilton. Photo / Mike Scott

On Friday, forensic experts and armed police were stationed on the street, with at least one home taped off. The nearby toilet block was also taped off, with an officer standing guard outside.

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“We have officers working at the Lake Cres address, and also at a second location of interest, several hundred metres away – the toilet block at the yacht club," Smith said at the time.

A police officer stands guard at the toilet block at Innes Common domain in relation to the Lake Cres shooting. Photo / Mike Scott
A police officer stands guard at the toilet block at Innes Common domain in relation to the Lake Cres shooting. Photo / Mike Scott

Residents living near the cordon were shocked to find their normally quiet, friendly neighbourhood now the focus of a major police operation after a suspicious death.

A resident living close to the cordon said he spoke to an officer last night, who told him gunshots had been heard just “short” of his house.

He said usually the street was “very quiet”, and police “very rarely” were there.

“I don’t have many problems around here, [just] an occasional burglary ... but [it’s] not an area that has too many problems really.”

Police were previously appealing for any sightings of a Subaru Impreza hatchback, registration KZH714.

If you have seen the Subaru or have information please report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or call 105.

Please use the reference number 251218/5897.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

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