Police executed two search warrants in Oamaru on Saturday, in relation to the killing of a dairy farm worker on Wednesday, but will not say whether they arrested anyone.
There was a heavy police presence in Oamaru's Victorian quarter when the search warrants were being executed.
Justin McFarlane, 35, was found dead in his home in Pine Hill Road in the rural community of Elderslie, about 10km inland from Oamaru, about 4.30am on Wednesday by a co-worker checking why he hadn't turned up for work.
Justin McFarlane. Photo: NZ POLICE
Police would not comment on the circumstances of his death other than it was "quite a violent attack".
An 18-year-old man appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Friday, charged with murdering Mr McFarlane with another or others. He was remanded in custody to reappear at the High Court at Timaru on 1 October.
Police say their inquiries have included speaking with an Oamaru woman, 26, in relation to Mr McFarlane's death. She has been arrested on an unrelated assault matter and released on bail to appear in the Oamaru District Court in early October.
Acting Detective Inspector Colin Blackie says a post mortem was completed on Mr McFarlane's body on Saturday, as the scene examination continued at his property.
He says a number of items of interest have been located.
Police are still calling for sightings of a grey Nissan Skyline car involved in a short police pursuit in the early hours of Wednesday morning on State Highway 1 south of Oamaru.
Mr Blackie says before that the car was travelling on roads in the Elderslie and Maheno area. They have impounded the car.
Anyone with information about Mr McFarlane's activities in the days leading up to his death can contact the Operation Steelers inquiry team directly on the Oamaru Police station number (03) 433 1400 or give provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
