A 28-year-old woman charged with murder after a man was found dead at a Tokoroa property on Sunday has been granted interim name suppression.
Kelvin Kana, 34, was found dead at a house on Moa Place about 2pm on Sunday.
The woman had her first appearance via audio visual link at Rotorua District Court on Monday where she was remanded without plea ahead of a High Court appearance on May 29.
Judge Greg Hollister-Jones also suppressed the reasons for her interim name suppression, but allowed Kana’s name to be made public.
Christel Yardley/Stuff
Police at the Moa Place property in Tokoroa on Monday.
Police surrounded a house on Paraonui Rd in Tokoroa on Monday and a police spokeswoman confirmed it was in relation to the ongoing homicide investigation.
In audio provided to Stuff, police could be heard asking someone to come out of the property.
“Come out to the driveway,” police say, “Nothing in your hands – walk down the driveway.”
Friends and family paid tribute to Kana on social media, stating how shocked they were he had died.
“It’s gonna be real hard to cope and imagine you without us in this world,” one person posted.
“You never deserved this life, not once did you ever deserve any of it. You will be missed from us so much.”
Another person remembered what a keen basketball player Kana had been.
A scene examination will continue at the Moa Place address and police earlier said they were speaking to one person in relation to the incident.
Christel Yardley/Stuff
Police investigate at a neighbouring property on Kaka Cres which backs on to Moa Place.
They would like to hear from anyone else who may have information that could assist the investigation.
Anyone with any information can contact police on 105 or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.