Hawke's Bay Police are determined to catch whoever is responsible for the death of a man in Flaxmere on Sunday.
Officers are still at the scene of the homicide outside the Flaxmere Tavern on Swansea Rd, where the man was found with serious injuries at 10:45pm.
He was unresponsive when emergency services arrived and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
But Detective Senior Sergeant Marty James says he's confident people in the community know who is responsible.
"We want those people to step up, and get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity.
"And I have a message for the person or people responsible as well.
"Police have a large investigation team working on this case and it is only a matter of time before we arrive on your doorstep.
"It would be in your best interests to come to us before we come to you."
A post mortem and formal identification is under way. Cordons are expected to stay in place at the scene through Tuesday night.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (06) 831 0700, or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
