# Homicide investigation launched, Kawerau

Date: 25 Oct 2026
Released by: New Zealand Police

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Police have launched a homicide investigation after finding the body of a woman at an address in Kawerau. Officers went to the address while making enquiries after a crash between a car and a train at a private level crossing on Te Puke Highway, Paengaroa, just after 9am; the driver was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition. Detective Senior Sergeant Lou Curragh says the woman's death is being treated as suspicious.

## Original release

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Lou Curragh: A homicide investigation has been launched after Police discovered a body at an address in Kawerau. Earlier today, Police were called just after 9am with a report of a crash involving a car and a train at a private level crossing at an address on Te Puke Highway in Paengaroa. The sole occupant of the vehicle was airlifted to Waikato Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police immediately began making enquiries, including at an address in Kawerau. While at the Kawerau address, Police have sadly located the body of a deceased woman. Police are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death; however, it is being treated as suspicious, and a homicide investigation is underway. Scene examinations are taking place and scene guards are in place. Police will provide more information when we are in a position to do so.

## Key details

- Issued by: New Zealand Police
- Published: 25 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand

Original source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/homicide-investigation-launched-kawerau-1
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr02291-homicide-investigation-launched-kawerau-25102026.html