Police are searching for a mountain bike allegedly ridden by the man charged with the murder of a Far North kuia.
Tārati (Dorothy) Buckley, 76, of Ōpononi, was found dead at a Whirinaki property this week.
A 26-year-old man was charged with her murder, as well as arson, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage, and failure to assist police.
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said the investigation team was still seeking information and had launched Operation Peony.
Police today released an image of a red mountain bike they say the man was seen riding between Maungatapere and Dargaville on June 1.
The image was captured at GAS Maungatapere at 8.04am that day.
“We have not located this mountain bike, and I’m asking anyone who might know where this bike is to contact us,” Johnston said.
Police attended Ounuwhao Rd, near Dargaville, at about 9.10am on Monday and found Buckley’s burnt-out SUV.
Police allege the man was seen by officers at 2.06pm walking along State Highway 14 near Dargaville.
Johnston said police wanted any information about the man’s movements on the morning and early afternoon of June 1.
Tārati Buckley, 76, of Ōpononi.
“He was wearing the same clothing as is seen in the CCTV image.”
Buckley’s family confirmed her death in a statement on Tuesday, describing their “deep shock and immense mamae [pain]” at her alleged murder.
“She was taken from us far too soon, in circumstances that we are struggling to comprehend and accept,” the statement said.
Police first found Buckley’s burned-out SUV about 100km south in Tangowahine, Kaipara. Efforts to locate the vehicle’s registered owner led them to her Ōpononi home, which police allege had been burgled.
Police said they became concerned when Buckley was not there. She was later found dead about 6km away in Whirinaki.
The man charged with Buckley’s murder appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday.
He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.
He was due to appear in the High Court at Whangārei on June 19, where he was expected to enter a plea.
Information can be provided to police via 105 using the reference number 260601/3972, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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