Police have released new details of events related to a woman being found dead a Hasting's worksite earlier this month, as well as lines of inquiry including items of interest being sought.
Emergency services were called to a worksite on Taihape Rd in Omahu on February 3, after a woman's body was found at the property.
She was identified as 64-year-old Sharlene Smith, from Rotorua.
Police – in announcing it was a homicide inquiry – earlier described it as a “tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister”.
“We are determined to find answers for her whānau.”
Previously, police had appealed for sightings of a vehicle and were now also seeking information regarding specific route the car had travelled.
"Police are appealing for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback between 8am and approximately midday on Sunday, February 1, 2026, travelling from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Rd/Omahu Rd and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier," Sergeant Kris Payne said.
"We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact police if not already spoken to."
Investigators were also seeking two items belonging to Smith that were believed to have been discarded along the route: A handbag and a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone.
Anyone with information was urged to contact police via 105, either online or by calling 105, quoting file number 260203/9739.
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