Nathan Mata Pukeroa will be buried from the Ohaki Marae, Pawarenga, today. Nathan was 24 and died after being attacked outside a Renton Rd, Mt Albert address in the early hours of Thursday, December 3.
His friend, a 22 year-old, was also attacked by the same, as yet unidentified, person.
Police investigating Nathan's murder and the near fatal attack on his friend have worked long hours throughout the weekend, gathering as much information from as many people as possible.
However Detective Inspector Chris Cahill says the key to solving the mystery of who killed Nathan Pukeroa and nearly killed his friend, could lie with the Renton Rd neighbourhood.
"We'd like to hear from anyone in and around the Renton Rd vicinity who has noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area over the past several weeks.
"We are also urging residents in the area to search their properties and advise us if they find any sharp instrument that could have been used as a weapon and that has been discarded by the person or people responsible.
"One focus of the team today is on tracking the movements of a red Toyota utility that left the Renton Rd address shortly after the fatal attack that occurred at about 12.15am on Thursday, December 3.
"We need to hear from anyone who saw it in the vicinity at around about the same time Nathan was killed or anywhere in the upper North Island in the four days since."
Mr Cahill said it was important people remember that a young man died outside a home in a suburban street and another was seriously injured and that the killer has not been identified or located.
"As usual, the public and our communities are our eyes and ears. My staff will be back in the area this morning appealing to residents for any information that could help us find Nathan's killer and we encourage anyone who thinks they could assist to call Avondale CIB on 09 820 5784, Police generally on 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
MEDIA NOTE: Police will be at the scene in Renton Rd at 1pm today. Media are invited to attend to film staff and interview DI Chris Cahill.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty, Auckland City District communications manager, ph 0274 951 589
