Northland Police have charged a man in relation to the death of Neville Thomson in Panguru last year.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Fouhy, Far North Area Investigations Manager, says Police had been making enquiries following the incident at an address on Puketawa Road on Thursday 4 August 2022 where Mr Thomson was located deceased.

“Following the initial investigation, Police had been making enquiries on behalf of the Coroner in relation to his death.

“As a result of our enquiries to date, a 59-year-old male has now been charged with owns dog which causes injury or death.

“He is due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court on Monday 18 December.

Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says this has been a challenging investigation.

“We appreciate this has taken some time, however this was a complex investigation, and we thank the community for their patience and assistance while we worked through the information gathered.

“Police hope these arrests bring reassurance to the family of Mr Thomson.”