Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Lou Curragh:

A homicide investigation has been launched after Police discovered a body at an address in Kawerau.

Earlier today, Police were called just after 9am with a report of a crash involving a car and a train at a private level crossing at an address on Te Puke Highway in Paengaroa.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was airlifted to Waikato Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Police immediately began making enquiries, including at an address in Kawerau.

Parents and guardians of young people enjoying the long weekend at Mahia are asked to ensure they don’t ruin the holidays for others.

Acting Inspector Andrew Knox says police attended disorder incidents in the seaside town last night, involving hundreds of young people, which kept officers busy.

“There were also several fires deliberately lit on the beach, prompting a request to the local volunteer fire brigade to help extinguish the fires.”

Many of those involved in the disorder appeared intoxicated, and glass bottles were thrown at a Police vehicle.