The grim discovery of a woman's body wrapped in plastic bags earlier this week has shocked the community of Gulf Harbour.
Here's a timeline of what Newshub knows so far about the case:
Tuesday
It all started on Tuesday at about 3pm, when Paul Middleton was fishing in Whangaparāoa, in north Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
At first, he spotted a "big lump" in the water, thinking it was a cow or a log. Then the wind changed, he said, and brought the object closer to shore before he "just hooked it".
Middleton said he pulled the "bloody heavy" body, which was wrapped in several plastic bags, up onto some nearby rocks - trying not to damage it.
He unwrapped several layers of plastic to find a "big chunk of meat" that looked like "a leg of lamb", as well as clothes.
Then, "lo and behold, a hand appears," said Middleton.
He then called police, who cordoned off the area.
Police told Newshub later on Tuesday they were called to a reserve in Gulf Harbour, near Laurie Southwick Pde, about 3:15pm.
Detectives were treating the death as "unexplained" at that stage, and said there was no threat to the public.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, police confirmed they were still trying to identify the body, and so an autopsy had been scheduled.
Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams said police had finished their enquiries at the scene and the cordons would be lifted.
He said officers had spoken with people in the area at the time the body was found, and urged anyone with information to come forward.
"We would also encourage any residents in the nearby coastal area that saw anything suspicious to contact us," Det Insp Williams said.
Newshub also spotted two detectives checking the river that flows into Gulf Harbour Marina on Wednesday.
Witnesses who were camping nearby told Newshub they saw an unusual object floating in the water hours before Middleton pulled the body out of the water.
"Bit of a shock. It's like, you know, what's happening in this quiet little place?" camper Ellie said.
"I was coming back and the flashing lights of a police car came along so I naturally wanted to know what was going on," camper Allen added.
Ellie and Allan told Newshub there was a strong wind in Gulf Harbour on Monday - when they first spotted the object "floating off in the distance in the morning".
Thursday
On Thursday, police upgraded the case to a homicide investigation following completion of the autopsy, and also revealed some new details.
"At this stage, we have not been able to confirm the identity of the victim, but we can say they are a female of Asian descent, possibly Chinese, and small in stature," said Det Insp Williams.
He appealed to the public for help to identify the victim.
"Police are asking anyone who may have information on a woman matching the description who they have concerns for to please get in touch."
The priority was to notify her next of kin, and establish a cause of death, he said.
Again, Det Insp Williams stressed there was no further risk to the public.
Friday
On Friday, police revealed they were working with Interpol on the case and shared photos of the victim's clothing.
Detectives also said on Friday that the victim was not missing woman Yanfei Bao, of Ōtautahi/Christchurch, who went missing in July.
"Our teams across the country have made enquiries into this possibility, but we can rule out that this victim is Ms Bao," said Det Insp Williams.
Her identity still has not been confirmed, but Det Insp Williams said she was wearing pyjama bottoms and a singlet.
"These are blue pyjama pants with a distinct pattern on them, and a brand's emblem on a light-coloured singlet," he said.
The body was of an adult woman, about 160cm tall, and was wrapped in "black plastic clean sacks", Det Insp Williams said.
He again reassured the wider community there's no risk to the wider public.
Police still want anyone with information on a woman matching the victim's description above to get in touch.
"Additionally, anyone who was near the water, between Gulf Harbour and Long Bay in the last few days who saw anything of concern to contact us," said Det Insp Williams.
"If you have a property facing the water, we ask that you check your CCTV, and call police if there is anything of note.
How to contact Police
Williams said all information received is valuable.
The public can call 0800 755 021 to speak directly to the investigation team on this case.
Otherwise, people can call 105 or go online here and reference file number 240312/9837.
People can alternatively call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police will provide more updates as they come.
