Shortly after 7.30pm last night (Thursday, 2 July) there was an altercation between a small group of men at a house in Kawerau. All the men were known to each other.
During the altercation a 31-year-old man suffered a severe head injury caused by an axe. He was taken to Whakatane Hospital in a critical condition and he died in the early hours of this morning.
A homicide enquiry is underway and a 25-year-old man has been charged with murder. He will appear at Whakatane District Court today.
No further information about the man who died is available at this stage.
As the matter is before the court no media interviews will be facilitated.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.