Murder Charge Laid – Northland
Acting Detective Inspector Kevan Verry, Northland Field
Crime
Manager:
A 61-year-old man has been arrested
and charged with murder after a body was
located in an
area of the Waipoua Forest, near State Highway 12,
Waimamaku,
this afternoon.
The body is believed to
be that of Northland woman, Gaelene Bright, who was
last
spoken to at her home address in the early hours of 1
May.
“A scene guard is currently in place in the
area and Police will not be in
a position to release any
further details of the victim until formal
identification
takes place,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan
Verry.
Over the last five days, a large search
operation has been conducted in the
Waimamaku Region and
Waipoua Forest, which has involved Police
investigators,
Police dogs, and civilian search and
rescue teams.
“The scene examination is continuing
and is expected to take some time. We
appreciate the
patience of all those in the area.”
Police are also
currently conducting a scene examination at the
victim’s
home.
This afternoon, Police have
located and interviewed a 61-year-old man, who
has been
charged with murder.
He will be appearing the Hastings District Court on May 19.
Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.
Acting Detective Inspector Kevan Verry says this is a tragic situation.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Ms
Bright’s family during this
extremely difficult
time.”
Police are still making enquiries into the
movements of Gaelene’s vehicle,
a white 2000 Holden
Rodeo 4x4 with the registration number YW7634,
between
Northland and Te Kuiti on 3 and 4
May.
Anyone who has seen this vehicle or has any
information regarding it is asked
to call Police on 105
quoting file number 220511/2799 or Operation
Bright.
Information can also be passed on anonymously
via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555
111.
Police are
unable to provide further information at this time as the
matter
is before the
courts.