Police investigating the brutal slaying of Karori man Tony Stanlake say they need more information to try and find out when and where the 62-year-old died, and who was responsible.
"We've had some calls overnight since Tony's name and photo were released, but we need a lot more to pin down sightings of when Tony was last seen alive, his movements, and details such as visitors, including vehicles, to his Lancaster Street house," said Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, head of the Operation Red Rocks investigation.
"Please don't stop ringing our 0508 733 762 hotline or contacting us at the Wellington Central Police Station. We need as much information as possible to help us solve this dreadful crime."
He said police are trying to speak with as many people as possible who have had contact with Mr Stanlake. These include friends, former work colleagues, neighbours and people who had may have had business or social contact with him.
"It's a big task trying to find people so we really encourage those with information to contact us," he said.
Police still want to find the four-door dark blue or black Subaru Legacy sedan with a boot, or similar vehicle which was stuck at Owhiro Bay beach about 7pm on Saturday.
A group of local people helped the driver free the vehicle after its wheels became buried in the gravel and sand.
The car had mag wheels, possibly a big bore exhaust, no tow bar and a bumper sticker with possible references to Te Reo Maori on it.
Witnesses have said the driver was in his early to mid 20s, a slight skinned Maori or Polynesian (race not confirmed), who was polite, softly spoken and who seemed embarrassed that his vehicle required a tow.
The man was wearing a light coloured hoody style sweatshirt, three quarter length pants, white socks and shoes and wore black gloves.
"We don't know if the vehicle has any link at all to our inquiry but it's possible that the driver may have seen something at the beach that would help us.
"We had lots of calls about Subaru cars but so far we haven't been able to find the driver."
Detective Inspector Arnerich said police will continue their extensive scene examinations today at both the Owhiro Bay to Red Rocks area, and at Mr Stanlake's house.
More than 60 staff are working on the homicide team with eight extra investigators coming from the Kapiti Mana, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa areas today.
And 43 recruits from the Royal New Zealand Police College are today helping specialists comb the Owhiro Bay and Red Rocks coastline, looking for Mr Stanlake's hands and clothing. They're also trying to find any discarded weapons such as large knives, a machete, small sword and a blunt tool used in the killing.
Ends
Media note: Detective Inspector Arnerich will be available at 3pm today, Wellington Central Police Station, for a media conference.
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
Tel 04 496 3464