A spokesperson for the family of a 42-year-old woman who died after an altercation in Ngāruawāhia has informed Te Ao Māori News that her tūpāpaku is currently with a coroner in Auckland. Once released, she will be returned to her whānau.
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the woman’s death from critical injuries sustained during an incident on Waipā Esplanade in Ngāruawāhia yesterday afternoon.
At around 1:30 pm, police responded to reports of a fight involving multiple individuals near the Waipa Esplanade and Newton Street intersection. Shortly after, the severely injured woman was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan Street. Despite the efforts of first responders, she died before she could be airlifted to the hospital.
Speaking to the NZ Herald, a police spokesperson said there is a significant police presence in the area and that they will continue their enquiries.
“We know these events are unsettling for our communities and those involved, and officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.”
Authorities have assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. Officers will also conduct reassurance patrols to help ease any concerns in the local community.
Police have secured two locations as part of their investigation. Scene examinations are currently underway on Waipa Esplanade, where the woman may have been injured, and at the Jordan Street ambulance station, where she later died.
Authorities are asking anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward via the police website or call 105 and use the reference number 241227/6958.
