Police have completed formal identification procedures and can now formally identify the deceased as Teina Pickering, age 24, of Ruakākā.

His body will be returned to his whānau today.

Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Whangārei CIB, says while Police are following positive lines of enquiry, there is still a lot of work ahead for his investigation team.

"We appreciate the public interest in this case however we still need to work through our investigation process.

"Ruakākā locals can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area in coming days."

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Peter Snell Road area in the early hours of Thursday 12 October, or who has information that could assist the investigation.

Please call Police on 105 or make a report online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 referencing file number 231012/4721.

Reports can also be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation allows.