A man who died after a vehicle collided with a tree in Rotorua on Friday has been formally named by police.
He was Nicholas Patrick Mitchell, aged 37, from Rotorua.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time," Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen said.
Police were called to Ford Rd just before 8.30pm on Friday after reports that a vehicle had hit a tree.
Mitchell, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found with critical injuries.
He died a short time later.
Initial inquiries suggested Mitchell's injuries were "not consistent with a crash", police said at the time.
A homicide investigation into his death was ongoing, van Kempen said today, and police are conducting a large area canvass as part of ongoing enquiries in Fordlands.
Police are continuing to urge anyone who was in or around Ford Rd between 8pm and 8.45pm on Friday or saw a white Toyota Hiace van with the registration DFR734 to come forward.
"We know that someone in the community will have information that will be important the investigation and we ask that you contact us immediately.
"We understand that people may be worried or cautious to come forward, however any information can be treated confidentially," he said.
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