Police name victim in Dargaville homicide investigation

Police have named the man at the centre of a homicide investigation in Dargaville as Garry Hazelton.

“Police extend our condolences to his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” a spokesperson said.

The 64-year-old was found dead at a house on Hoeroa St about 2.40pm on October 7.

Hoeroa St is a new subdivision at the northeastern end of Dargaville, off Ranfurly St.

The homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Trailside, is ongoing.

Whangārei Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said the death would be unsettling for the community.

“Police want to reassure residents that a dedicated team of investigators is working to establish exactly what happened and who is involved.”

Hazelton was well known in tight-knit Dargaville and known for walking around town with a canvas sack, wearing shorts and jandals no matter the weather, and a cowboy hat in summer.

A Dargaville woman said Hazelton was her best mate and she found his body when she went to visit him.

She was still shocked and asked not to be named for privacy.

She described him as a father and grandfather and someone who was “incredibly kind and giving” to all people even if he didn’t have a lot.

He was funny, smart and quick-witted, with plenty of crazy life stories, she said.

“I will miss you, my friend,” she said on social media.

“My life will never be the same again. As hard as it is for me right now, I’m thankful I found you; I really believe you would have wanted it to be me [who found him].”

Another friend, who also asked not to be named, described Hazelton as having a nice heart.

She was close to Hazelton’s partner, who recently died.

She said the two were the love of each other’s lives, and Hazelton was heartbroken when his partner died.

She described him as a talented guitarist and a member of the Dargaville Church of the Nazarene.

Anyone with information that can assist police is asked to contact them on 105, referencing file number 261007/7751 and Operation Trailside.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.