A body found beside a burning car on Mahanga Beach at Mahia is that of a person known to police.
Police say a fire crew called to the blaze at 10.15am on Thursday found the body.
The car showed no signs of being involved in an accident.
Detectives from Wairoa are at the scene to assess if suspicious circumstances surround the death.
Police will notify next-of-kin before releasing the person's name.
