Police are appealing to motorists and pedestrians who may have critical information regarding the death of a man in North Dunedin on Friday.

The body of Aneli Helu Katea, 36, was discovered at Great King St address last week about 2pm on October 3.

On Monday, a 25-year-old man appeared in the Dunedin District Court, charged with his murder.

Southern District criminal investigations manager Detective Inspector Shona Low said the man is in custody and due to reappear in Dunedin District Court on October 21.

Dunedin police received reports of a sudden death at a property on Great King St on Friday afternoon. Photo / Ben Tomsett

“During this time of day Great King St, known to many as ‘the one way north’, is busy with cars and pedestrians, and we believe there is critical information that was recorded on dashcams, CCTV, or general photos and videos,” she said.

“We are appealing to anyone who was on Great King St, between Union Street West and St David St between 5am and 2.30pm on Friday, with a specific focus around 11am.

“We would like to hear from the public as soon as possible.”

A man has appeared in Dunedin District Court charged with murder after a body was found in North Dunedin on Friday. Photo /Ben Tomsett

Police have created a dedicated web portal where people can upload photos or footage that was taken between 5am and 2.30pm on Friday, October 3 in the Great King St area.

Footage can be uploaded here: https://tex.nc3.govt.nz/.

Information can also be provided online through 105 online or via phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please use the reference number 251003/5165.

On Monday, Judge Hermann Retzlaff directed that a report be prepared to explore the accused man’s fitness and insanity under request from Counsel Anne Stevens KC, who also sought name suppression.

A mental health report will also be prepared.

The man was remanded in custody without plea until his next appearance in the Dunedin High Court on October 21.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

A neighbour told the Herald they were at home on Friday afternoon when they heard what they believed was a man’s scream.

A scene guard was in place over the weekend as a forensic examination was carried out.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.