Victim named as police hunt two men over Te Puke shooting

Police are searching for two men in connection with a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Te Puke on Saturday, October 25.

At around 10.30 am, police received a report of a person admitted to hospital with a critical gunshot wound. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the man later died.

He has now been named as Tristan Eruera Oakes, aged 29, who was shot at his Te Puke home.

A spokesperson for the family described Oakes, affectionately nicknamed Eru, as a devoted partner and much-loved son.

She told the Franklin Times the family are “devastated” by his death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, says police are working to establish the full circumstances of what occurred and to locate those involved.

“A scene examination is underway in the Maneoka area, and residents can expect to see an ongoing police presence in the coming days,” she said in a statement.

Police are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the Maneoka area between 10 am and 11 am on Saturday 25 October to get in touch.

Two men are being sought in connection with the homicide: Kanan Clarke, 39, and Joseph Yorke, 40. Both are considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone who has information on their whereabouts is asked to contact police and quote file number 251025/0395. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.