Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have charged a man with murder after a woman’s body was discovered in a burnt-out car.

Jasmaine Corin Reihana, 35, was found dead inside the car on 9 September on Ripiro Beach, Dargaville.

Her body was found by firefighters responding to reports of a car fire on the beach, a few kilometres south of Glink’s Gully.

They alerted police, who launched a homicide inquiry and carried out detailed scene investigations at the beach and a home in the nearby town to Te Kopuru.

Police said they charged a 34-year-old man with murder on Friday.

“Police have conducted an extensive investigation to ensure the person responsible for her murder can be held to account,” detective inspector Al Symonds said.

“I would like to acknowledge the investigation team, who have worked tirelessly to get this result, and also those members of our community who have assisted our enquiries.

“Thank you to everyone who has come forward with information during the course of this investigation.”

Symonds said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the Paihia woman’s death.

“It has been our team’s focus to hold to account the person we will allege is responsible for Jasmine’s murder, and we hope this brings some relief to her whānau.”

The murder-accused would appear in Whangārei District Court on Monday, Symonds said.