By 3 News online staff
Rotorua’s Kuirau Park remains cordoned off this afternoon after a man was found dead in the early hours of this morning.
Police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of the man, described as a Caucasian male in his 60s.
The body was discovered around 1:30am by members of the public.
Detective Inspector Loper says the man has suffered serious injuries but police are keeping an open mind about the motive.
"We are confident that the incident is not gang-related, but we are exploring all possibilities, including whether the incident is related to family violence, robbery or drugs."
Mr Loper says police believe the man had temporarily moved to Rotorua and was not a tourist.
A team of 38 police staff are working on the case and ESR staff are currently undertaking a forensic scene examination.
An extensive cordon is in place around Kuirau Park while police and SAR volunteers undertake a comprehensive search of the area.
Mr Loper says police staff are also undertaking a wide canvass of Kuirau Park and its surrounding areas.
He says the park is likely to be cordoned off for the remainder of the day.
"It is critical that we locate, preserve and recover any items that may be linked to this incident and there is a great deal of work to be done today and in the coming days in order to do that.”
The park, located just outside the Rotorua CBD, is popular for its geothermal areas, hot pools and children’s playgrounds.
Mr Loper says police are working as quickly as possible to reduce the cordon and reopen the park to the public.
A post mortem will be undertaken in Auckland tomorrow to determine the cause of death and to potentially confirm the identity of the man.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the Kuirau Park area last evening or during the night.
Anyone with information can contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. People can also provide information anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
3 News