Police are planning on issuing search warrants in Ngaruawahia - probing a suspected homicide

42 year old Turipapa Tukere died following reports of a number of people fighting on Waipa Esplanade on Friday afternoon.

Police have since confirmed a gang conflict warrant's been issued - allowing officers to apply for search warrant powers during gang fighting.

Officers have come down from Auckland to help police with the woman's tangi, taking place today.

Police vow to prevent any retaliation or further harm, which could be gang-related.