Slain Paeroa pizza shop owner Jordan Voudouris was in possession of a wad of cash following a "reasonable win" betting on horse races, locals say.
The body of the 55-year-old was found in an alley leading to his Mykonos Pizza and Pasta business in the early hours of June 18.
Yesterday, police revealed that Mr Voudouris had been shot but investigators are still struggling to establish a motive for killing the popular and much-loved man.
A local woman, who did not want to be named, told Fairfax Mr Voudouris had been celebrating a win on the horses a week before his death.
A Paeroa barman, who also didn't want to give his name, confirmed Mr Voudouris had been a regular patron at Father's Bar where he enjoyed "the odd punt".
"He had a win the Wednesday before he was killed, but it wasn't that much, maybe $300 or $400, but he was always pretty vocal about it. He liked to enjoy his success," the barman told Fairfax.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead said the inquiry team had so far built up a picture of a decent, kind-hearted man.
"In a way this then makes it more difficult for investigators, here we have a decent man with no apparent reason why anyone would harm him let alone shoot him."
The inquiry team has launched a Facebook page where members of the public can leave any information they may have about Mr Voudouris' death.
"I believe the key to this case still lies in Paeroa, be that someone who saw or heard something, perhaps not realising the significance, and hasn't told police or that someone has been told something about what happened and is keeping quiet," Detective Senior Sergeant Whitehead said.
No weapon has been found.
NZN