Pahīatua homicide investigation

The story so far

The woman was 74, and police said the man they were seeking was her son.^{22, 24 Oct 2025} Police described the wanted man as aged between 40 and 50, later as in his 50s, and warned the public not to approach him.^{16, 17, 20 Oct 2025} Her car was found unoccupied at a Rotorua lookout, and search and rescue teams later searched Rotorua's lakes for the man.^{16, 22 Oct 2025} Police warned motorists not to pick up hitchhikers resembling him.^{28 Oct 2025}

Latest

As of late November, police were still searching for the man and believed he could still be in the Rotorua area.^{26 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 16 Oct 2025Homicide investigation launched after woman found dead on Arthur Street, Pahiatua.
2. 16 Oct 2025Police seek a man and warn the public not to approach him.
3. 17 Oct 2025Vehicle from the Pahiatua address located at a Rotorua lookout.
4. 20 Oct 2025Police release a photo of the wanted man and renew the warning.
5. 22 Oct 2025Search and rescue teams scour Rotorua's Blue and Green lakes for the man.
6. 22 Oct 2025Police identify the woman found dead as a 74-year-old.
7. 28 Oct 2025Motorists warned not to pick up hitchhikers resembling the suspect.
8. 26 Nov 2025Search continues in November, with police believing he may still be in Rotorua.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.