Rotorua triple homicide: Man in court on assault charge

A man has appeared in court on an assault charge as police investigate the deaths of a woman and two young children in Rotorua.

Police say the children were found dead at a Glenholme property last night, and the woman died at the scene.

The city’s mayor says the “horrific tragedy” has deeply distressed the neighbourhood.

A man appeared in the Rotorua District Court this afternoon charged with assaulting a person in a family relationship.

He appeared remotely via an audio-visual link, wearing white coveralls.

Judge Greg Hollister-Jones granted interim name suppression to the man and “three named” people.

He remanded the man in custody to reappear in court on October 2.

Police earlier said emergency services were called to an address shortly before 10.30pm where they found a woman with life-threatening injuries, and two young children dead.

Despite extensive efforts by police and ambulance crews, the woman died at the scene, Bay of Plenty Acting District Commander Inspector Logan Marsh said.

“The deaths of all three victims are being treated as homicides, and the circumstances remain under investigation.

“A man was also located at the address. He is assisting police with our inquiries.”

Police were not seeking anyone else.

Marsh said it was incredibly traumatic for all those involved.

“Our focus now is on supporting the family, our first responders and getting answers to what occurred last night.

“We know this event will be felt widely in the community and people will want answers.

Police are investigating the deaths of three people at a home in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

“We are methodically working through the scene, including a detailed forensic examination. This may take several days – the investigation team will work for as long as it takes to understand what happened and why.”

A scene guard remained in place overnight and police would be visible in the area, Marsh said.

“A forensic examination will begin today and may continue over the coming days.

“We are also providing support to the family of those involved.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of the police and ambulance staff who responded to this extremely confronting scene last night.

Police are making inquiries into the deaths of two children and a woman in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

“We are supporting our people.”

Marsh said people would be understandably shaken and police would be carrying out additional reassurance patrols over the coming days and nights in Glenholme and the wider community.

“Out of respect for the victims and their family, we ask that people refrain from speculation or conjecture. Our focus remains on establishing exactly what occurred and providing answers for those affected.”

Hato Hone St John confirmed the ambulance service was called at 10.26pm, but referred further inquiries to police.

Police at the scene this morning. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said the community was “heartbroken” to hear of the tragic loss.

“As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and all those impacted.“

She acknowledged emergency services and frontline staff who responded to the “horrific tragedy”.

“Police are continuing to investigate what has happened to provide answers, and we will continue to support them to keep our community safe.”

Neighbourhood residents described a significant police response overnight.

One told the Rotorua Daily Post that she saw “police everywhere” about 10.30pm, including at least four police vehicles at a property and more parked further up the street.

She said officers were using torches and could be heard loudly knocking on a house door.

Police investigate a triple homicide in Glenholme in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

Another resident told Stuff she and her daughter were woken by police knocking on her door about 10.30pm.

The woman said she was frightened and called police, only to learn officers were responding to a report that someone had been injured on her property.

“They were looking everywhere, they opened up the cupboards, everything.”

After finding nothing, she said officers continued searching properties further down her driveway.

A Rotorua Daily Post reporter at the scene this morning observed multiple police officers at the property, with investigators taking measurements, placing markers and flying a drone overhead.

Officers were also seen making inquiries with neighbouring residents.