Ruatiti double homicide manhunt

The story so far

The two victims were the father and stepmother of a 29-year-old man, who police have named as a person of interest and say were shot dead.^{15, 19, 20 Dec 2025} Police issued an arrest warrant for the man and warned the public not to approach him.^{16 Dec 2025} During the search, police closed two Department of Conservation tracks and sought the owner of a quad bike and trailer found near the scene.^{18 Dec 2025} Police also began looking for a second man seen near the property.^{20 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 Dec 2025Homicide investigation launched after two people found dead at Ruatiti property.
2. 15 Dec 2025Police release photo of 29-year-old person of interest, believed to be near park.
3. 16 Dec 2025Arrest warrant issued for the 29-year-old man; public told not to approach him.
4. 18 Dec 2025Two Department of Conservation tracks closed during the manhunt.
5. 20 Dec 2025Police begin searching for a second man seen near the property.
6. 22 Dec 2025Manhunt continues; man believed armed and dangerous, reportedly travelling with a dog.

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