An arrest has been made in a homicide investigation in Hawke's Bay.

Mark Beale, 45, was found unconscious and badly beaten in Haumoana on Waitangi Day and died after being taken to hospital.

A 19-year-old Hastings man has been charged with the murder and will be appear in court tomorrow.

Mr Beale was found at a river mouth where three men had been playing loud music into the early hours of the morning.