The post mortem of a man's body found by passers-by in a central Rotorua park will be held as homicide investigators keep combing the scene for clues.
The dead man, thought to be in his 60s and wearing shorts and a top, was discovered about 1.30am yesterday in Kuirau Park.
Police have launched a homicide investigation and are not ruling out that the man's death is related to family violence, robbery or drugs, although they say it's not gang-related.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper says the man suffered serious injuries, but is not saying to what extent or how long the man was in the park before being discovered.
The man's body was removed from the scene on yesterday evening.
Mr Loper says police know the identity of the man but his name will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
Up to 40 forensic scientists and police are examining the scene and police are canvassing Kuirau Park and surrounding areas.
Parts of Kuirau Park will remain cordoned off until at least this afternoon.
Police continue to seek information from witnesses.
NZN