Two women and a man have been arrested in relation to the death of a 40-year-old man in the Wairarapa town of Featherston.
Glen Jones was found in his home in Fitzherbert Street with severe head injuries, and died in hospital on Saturday morning.
Police have arrested two women, aged 32 and 22, and a 28-year-old man.
All three have been charged with aggravated burglary in connection with the attack.
Detective Inspector Sean Hansen said inquiries are continuing and he expects further arrests in the next few days.
Mr Hansen is appealing for any sightings of a white Holden Commodore, registration GHE787, in the Masterton, Carterton, Featherston, Hutt Valley and Wellington City areas.
Preliminary results from a post mortem carried out on Sunday show Mr Jones died from head injuries as a result of an attack.
The three arrested people will appear in the Masterton District Court on Monday.