17 Sep 2021

Manurewa homicide: Man charged over 16yo girl's death

10:35 am on 17 September 2021

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murdering a 16-year-old girl, whose body was found in Manurewa over the weekend.

Detail of the wall behind the judge in a court room at the Manukau District Court.

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

He is due to appear in Manukau District Court this afternoon.

"The victim was a young girl who was extremely loved by her family and friends and they are absolutely devastated by what has happened to her," Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said.

"Their welfare is a priority for police and we are working to support them during this difficult time, along with Victim Support."

Hayward said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the girl's death.

The family have requested police do not release the girl's name at this stage and are seeking an interim name suppression order from the Coroner's Court.