“We would like to hear from anyone who was in or around Valley Rd, Kawerau, or anybody who saw any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in the area between 8pm on Saturday, October 24, and 7am on October 25,” Curragh said.
“This is a fairly quiet area and anybody with information on any movements of people or vehicles is of value to us.
“Even if you thought nothing of it at the time, the information could be crucial to our investigation. Each piece of information helps our investigators build a picture of events.”
Police are also interested in sightings of a silver Mitsubishi Lancer, registration EQB394, around Kawerau, Matatā and Te Puke between 6.30am and 9.15am on Sunday.
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 261025/1492.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.