Man charged with murder for death of Paul Te Hiko

Statement attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears:
 
Hutt Valley Police have arrested and charged a 28-year-old man in relation to the murder of Paul Te Hiko in Wainuiomata in March 2018. 
 
The man was arrested in Hawke’s Bay earlier this week, he has been charged with murder and has appeared in the Hastings District Court. The accused has been remanded in custody to appear at the Wellington High Court on 11 September. 
 
We have been in touch with Paul’s family to inform them of the arrest. While they are grateful to know that someone has been arrested they remain devastated and want to know why Paul was targeted. 
 
While it is a significant milestone to now have someone before the court we believe Mr Te Hiko was targeted by his attackers. We believe others were involved and our team of investigators and experts will continue to focus on establishing what exactly happened. 
 
Now that someone has been arrested, we urge anyone who may know anything that will assist our investigation to contact Police. 
 
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw or has information about the vehicle pictured driving around the Hutt Valley, specifically Wainuiomata, on 7 March 2018 or the days leading up to and following the murder on 7 March 2018.
 
The vehicle is described as a 1990s white Subaru Forester with a dark coloured bonnet. 
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hutt Valley Police on 04 560 2600 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
 
ENDS 
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.