'Loved and adored' 76yo named as Northland homicide victim

Police have formally identified the woman found dead at a property in Northland earlier this week.

A homicide investigation was launched after the woman was found dead at a property in Whirinaki in the early hours of Tuesday, following a trail of evidence that began with a burning car.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder over her death.

Northland CIB Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said post-mortem and formal identification procedures have now been completed.

The woman was named as Tārati (Dorothy) Buckley, aged 76, of Ōpononi.

"Tārati was a kuia, loved and adored by her whānau and wider community," Johnston said.

"What has happened is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to all her loved ones for their loss."

The 26-year-old charged with her murder, as well as arson, theft of a motor vehicle, burglary and using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage, has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Whangārei High Court on June 19, 2026.

Police were also appealing for information after the alleged offender was captured on CCTV at the G.A.S petrol station in Maungatapere at 8.04am on June 1.

Johnston said officers released an image of a dark red mountain bike the alleged offender was seen riding between Maungatapere and Dargaville, saying it had not yet been found.

“We have not located this mountain bike, and I’m asking anyone who might know where this bike is to contact us," he said.

Johnston said police wanted to hear from anyone who saw the alleged offender wearing the same clothes as pictured in the CCTV, riding the bike in the area on Monday, particularly along State Highway 14.

"We are also seeking any information on his movements through the morning and into the early afternoon."

Police urged anyone who may have picked up a dark red mountain bike from the road side to get in touch online, by calling 105 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.