Joanna Sione-Lauaki’s body was found on isolated Ripiro Beach, which stretches more than 100km from Maunganui Bluff to Pouto Point.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Police investigating the death of a Dargaville woman more than three weeks ago are appealing for information about a distinctive flat deck ute.

The white 2012 Toyota Hilux, with no registration plates, an orange hazard light on the roof and aluminium dog cages on the back, was seen in the area Jo Sione-Lauaki’s body was found.

The 38-year-old mother of eight was discovered between Omamari Beach and Aranga Beach, on the west coast north of Dargaville, on 2 August .

Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford, of Northland CIB, said police wanted to hear from anyone who had seen the ute.

“We believe this vehicle to have been in the same area where Jo’s body was discovered. Police would like to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle leading up to and around Friday 1 August in the Baylys or Omamari beach areas near Dargaville,” he said.

Police were also keen to see any dashcam footage of the vehicle.

Crawford said the investigation team was continuing to work hard to piece together the events leading up to her death.

Anyone with information, no matter how small it seemed, could help bring the case to a close by calling police on 105 and quoting file number 240803/9062.

Anyone who wanted to speak to a member of the investigation team in person could visit Dargaville Police Station.

Information could also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.