Police say a body found in the weekend is that of missing Hastings man Johnny Wright.
The 50-year-old was reported missing last month and when his flat was cleared, his blood was found on the lounge wall, floor and ceiling.
A post-mortem was completed yesterday, and the results confirmed it was Mr Wright. He appears to have been the victim of an assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange says police found the body in Eskdale, north of Napier, after a tip-off.
"It's important that we find out as much as we can about how Mr Wright died and who was responsible for his death," says Mr de Lange.
"Someone in the community will know what took place and for the sake of his family, we need that information."
Anyone with information about Mr Wright should contact Hastings police or information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.
There have been no arrests in relation to Mr Wright's disappearance.
3 News / RadioLIVE