Police say the 23-year-old man who was killed in New Plymouth this week was a young father.
Police are treating Rei Marshall's death as a homicide. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Rei Marshall was taken to hospital with serious injuries on Wednesday night, but died.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said a homicide investigation was in its early stages, but a house in South Road and the car used to take Marshall to hospital were being examined by forensic experts.
Police were also speaking to the victim's associates, family and friends, he said.
"Rei was a young father and as you would imagine his family are devastated about his death and are wanting answers," Bouterey said in a statement.
Anyone who has information should contact the police or information could be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers, he said.
