Photo: 123rf.com
Police have released the name of the Northland motorcyclist fatally shot in Otaika this week.
He was 18-year-old Kyle Zachary Jenkins, of Maungatapere.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said an investigation has been underway since a member of the public found his body in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road, or State Highway 15, at about 5am on Wednesday.
Jenkins' motorcycle was also found in a nearby layby.
Pilmer believed the man died sometime between 7pm and 11pm on 28 January, in the layby opposite the entrance to Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.
The man's body was found in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road. File picture. Photo: Google Maps
Pilmer said their thoughts are with Jenkins' whānau at "this very difficult time."
"They are continuing to grieve his death and have asked for privacy."
He said police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information about what took place on the Otaika Valley Road layby.
"Our investigation continues to piece together why this tragic event occurred, and identify the person responsible," Pilmer said.
Police working on the investigation, codenamed Operation Distant, had set up a dedicated online portal at distant.nc3.govt.nz so people could upload any footage or photos.
Information could also be provided to police by calling 105 and quoting file number 250129/0335 or, anonymously, via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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