A man has been charged with murder among other offences after a woman was found dead at a Whirinaki property, following a trail of evidence that began with a burning car on the side of a rural Northland road.
Police have launched a homicide investigation with inquiries still in their early stages, though officers say no one else is sought in connection with the death.
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said police began the investigation after an SUV was located alight on Monday morning north of Dargaville.
"Emergency services attended Ounuwhao Road near State Highway 14, at around 9.11am, and urgent inquiries got underway to locate the registered owner of the vehicle."
Police subsequently attended the registered owner's address in Opononi, more than 50km to the northwest at the mouth of the Hokianga Harbour.
"A burglary had occurred, but the woman was not present, increasing our concerns."
Johnston said a man was then located in "suspicious circumstances" walking along State Highway 14 in possession of "several items of interest". He was arrested.
Officers carried out further inquiries at an address in Whirinaki, near the woman's home.
"Sadly, we have located a woman deceased," he said.
A scene examination at the Whirinaki address continued today while police carry out further inquiries in the Opononi area.
Johnston said the woman had last been in contact with whānau on Sunday night.
"What has taken place is simply a tragedy. We are putting support in place for whānau, who have travelled into the region following news of what has happened."
Formal identification of the victim was underway and police were not seeking anyone else in connection with the death.
A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder, arson, theft of a motor vehicle, burglary and using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage.
He will appear in the Whangārei District Court today.
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