Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 76-year-old Tauranga man from head injuries.
The man underwent surgery after being found injured in his house on Tuesday but he died mid-Wednesday in Tauranga Hospital.
Police had had to break into the address in the Avenues area, after a family member became concerned.
A 45-year-old man, Murray Tait, appeared in Tauranga District Court on Wednesday morning charged with assault.
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow,says further charges may be laid at Mr Tait's next court appearance next week.
Senior Sgt Pilbrow says police are still trying to figure out the circumstances leading up to the assault. They're asking anyone who saw Mr Tait's dark blue Subaru Legacy station-wagon on Tuesday to contact them.
