A Hokianga woman missing for more than two weeks died of foul play, a post-mortem has confirmed.
Barbara Moka, 32, was found dead in a bush area near Te Piiti marae in Omanaia on Wednesday. She was last seen at a tangi on 9 June.
Police said full results from the post-mortem would not be available for a few weeks. However, the examination has confirmed they are dealing with a homicide.
A man appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on Wednesday charged with assaulting Ms Moka earlier this year and remains in custody.