Homicide Inquiry Launched After Body Discovered

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after locating the body of a woman in the Omanaia area new Rawene yesterday afternoon.

A post mortem on the body is being carried out in Auckland today and the deceased woman is yet to be formally identified, however Police believe it to be Barbara Moka.

Barbara went missing on Sunday June 9 and was last seen at a tangi at Te Piiti Marae, Omanaia.

Police are still carrying out inquiries and are examining a number of scenes, which are of interest to the investigation.

They are also seeking the public's assistance in locating some items belonging to Barbara that are missing.

These items include an older style Nokia cellphone, coloured grey and black, a ladies wallet and a majority of her clothing, size eight or smaller.

Police are also interested in the movements of two vehicles on Sunday June 9 and Monday June 10.

One of these vehicles is described as a 1997 two-door red Toyota Cynos saloon, registration CBH261.

The other vehicle is a 1990 green and grey 4WD Nissan Terrano, registration TF2603.

Police would like to stress that the usual occupants of these vehicles are not suspects in the inquiry.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston says Police have spoken to a number of people who attended the tangi on Saturday June 8 and ask that anyone to come forward if they have not yet been spoken to.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston says Police are grateful for the assistance they have received so far from the community of Omanaia.

Anyone with information on the missing items or the movements of the two vehicles can contact the Kaikohe Police on 09 405 2960 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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