Three men have been arrested over the fatal stabbing of a man near the Horowhenua town of Levin.
The police launched a homicide inquiry after Michael Les Valentine, who was 27, died overnight Friday-Saturday at a rural address, off State Highway 1, north of the town.
Detective Senior Sergeant Marc Hercock says there was a disagreement between Mr Valentine and the arrested men before his death.
A 31-year-old is charged with murder, while the other two men, aged 22 and 29, are charged with assault.
Police are appealing for sightings of a white Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD, between 6pm on Friday and midnight.
Detective Senior Sergeant Hercock said police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death and a scene examination will continue for two days.
A post-mortem will be conducted on Sunday.
