The injuries on a man found dead at a home in the Auckland suburb of Ellerslie on Monday evening "are violent, and consistent with foul play", police said.
It comes after a post-mortem examination for the 66-year-old was completed today.
Officers were called to the Celtic Crescent property at around 7.58pm on Monday, after reports a man was found "unresponsive" at the home by a family member.
A homicide investigation was launched yesterday.
“While police had always been treating this investigation as a homicide due to our initial enquiries, the post-mortem has sadly confirmed the injuries received to the victim are violent, and consistent with foul play," Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, said.
"Police now believe the victim died prior to Sunday afternoon as a result of the injuries sustained.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this time and we are committed to holding the person, or persons, involved to account.”
Meanwhile, police are continuing to appeal for the public's help locating the man's wife, Mei Han Chong.
The 67-year-old was last seen at the home shared by the couple, who lived alone, over the weekend.
Police say she could also be a victim.
“Police have not yet located 67-year-old, nor the vehicle which belongs to the family," Beard said.
“We urge anyone with information on Mei Han Chong’s whereabouts, or their blue Kia Rio, registration NJN927, to please contact us."
“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred.”
A scene guard remains in place at the Celtic Crescent address today while the scene examination continues, however it is expected to be completed this afternoon.
“Police will continue to remain in the area over the coming days while our investigation is ongoing,” Beard said.
A formal identification for the man is yet to be completed.
Police will release further details in due course.
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