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Woman's charge upgraded to murder after Tauranga man’s death

Author
Bay of Plenty Times ,
Publish Date
Fri, 16 Jan 2026, 2:51pm
Police are investigating after a man was found dead at a Fraser St house in Tauranga on December 14. Photo / Samantha Motion
Police are investigating after a man was found dead at a Fraser St house in Tauranga on December 14. Photo / Samantha Motion

Woman's charge upgraded to murder after Tauranga man’s death

Author
Bay of Plenty Times ,
Publish Date
Fri, 16 Jan 2026, 2:51pm

A murder charge has now been laid after the death of a man in Tauranga last month. 

The man was found dead at a Fraser St address on Sunday, December 14, after emergency services were called to the property at 11.40am. 

A 37-year-old woman, initially charged with assault on a person in a relationship, had been charged with murder today after further inquiries, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam said. 

The woman appeared via audio-visual link in the Tauranga District Court this morning. 

Her lawyer, Ben Smith, sought a remand without plea on all eight charges she faces. 

The murder charge has been severed from the other matters and transferred to the High Court. 

She will appear again on that charge in early February. 

The charges remaining in the District Court include importing/exporting fantasy-type substance, possession of firearm/ammunition, intentional damage, and assaulting person with stabbing/cutting. 

Her next appearance on those matters will be on March 9. 

The woman has been granted continued interim name suppression. 

Investigation continues 

Varnam said the police investigation into the death of the man was ongoing. 

“Tauranga police would like to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident or those involved.” 

Anyone with information was asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105, and using the reference number 251214/9237. 

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