Police have revealed the body discovered in a burnt-out car in Havelock North over the weekend was a woman.
An investigation was launched on Monday after the woman's body was found inside a car parked at Havelock North's River Road Recreational Reserve.
In a statement on Wednesday, police revealed the body was a woman who is yet to be identified.
Detective Inspector Dave De Lange said forensic testing and formal identification procedures are underway but are expected to take some time.
"We have been carrying out an area canvas and reviewing CCTV footage as we seek to piece together what has led to this incident.
"Police have been looking at missing persons cases which may be relevant but at this early stage this has not assisted the investigation team.
"We would ask anyone with information about who this woman may be to get in touch with police as soon as possible."
De Lange said people with information should visit their local station or call 105 and quote file number: 220905/1265.
"We want to find out who this woman is and speak with her family. This will be devastating news for them and we will be wrapping support around them once we know who they are," he said.
"We are still treating the death as unexplained while we wait for post-mortem and forensic testing results but are keeping an open mind as to what has occurred."
Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
