Police have launched a homicide enquiry after a man died in the Eastern Bay of Plenty on Christmas Eve.
Emergency services were called to a property in Nukuhou, near Whakatane, around 5pm on December 24 after reports of a "disorder incident".
A police spokesperson said a man in his 40s had been critically injured in an assault and was transported to hospital, where he died on Boxing Day.
Two other men were seriously injured in the incident and were also taken to hospital.
A 35-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear in Whakatane District Court in January.
The spokesperson said police are currently making enquiries into the assault and have a number of people assisting with their investigation.
"However, police would like to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to us and knows anything that may be useful to our investigation."
