Police are warning people in the Far North town of Panguru to avoid any stray dogs in the area where it is believed a man was mauled to death on Thursday.
Police said initial indications suggested the man died from a dog attack. The death appeared to not be suspicious, a spokesperson said.
Four of the dogs on the property got loose and were behaving aggressively.
Police assessed the dogs as a risk to their safety and – in the process of trying to contain them – shot and killed one of the dogs.
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The other three dogs are still on the loose, with police resuming the search for them on Friday morning.
Members of the public are urged to avoid any stray dogs in the area and to call 111 immediately if they are seen.
Police are unable to provide a description of the animals at this stage, due to the fast-moving nature of the situation.
Meanwhile, a scene guard remains in place at the address on Puketawa Rd, Panguru, as police try to establish what happened.
Panguru is a small town in north Hokianga.
