A 21-year-old has been charged with murder following the death of a 22-year-old man at Waihi Beach in Western Bay of Plenty last night.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police said emergency services were called about 10.15pm after an incident on Seaforth Road, and a 22-year-old man was found dead there.
They said a man, 21, had been charged with murder and would appear at Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
The death was near a property where another man was killed on New Year's Day, but police said there was nothing to suggest at this stage the two incidents were connected.
Derrick Hann, 56, of Te Kuiti, was found dead in the suburb of Bowentown on 1 January after reports of disorder. His death was being investigated as a homicide.
The cause of his death has not been made public.
Police said they would increase their presence in Waihi Beach in the coming days but that in each case the people involved in knew each other and there was no risk to the wider community.
Allan Sole, the chair of the local community patrol, said people should care for families affected and the patrol was willing to provide any support needed.
"Very sad about it for Waihi Beach, it's a very quiet, pleasant little place to live and it's a bit of a shocker for us I guess, but as a community I'm sure we will go and grow through it."
Sole said people should also pay attention to their general security.
Western Bay of Plenty district mayor Garry Webber said the two deaths were concerning, but police were taking care of the cases.
"It's a real concern and you feel for the families of those involved. It's a really sad time and hopefully they're getting the necessary support."
