Napier arrest linked to Hastings murder investigation

A 35-year-old woman has been arrested in Napier as part of the investigation into the killing of Flaxmere man Keith Pati.

Police executed a search warrant at a residential property yesterday before taking the woman into custody. She is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

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The woman is due to appear in the Hastings District Court on Friday February 27 2026.

Image: Tulasunu’i Keith Alapati, 33, referred to in court documents as Keith Pati, was transported to Wellington Hospital but died from his injuries late the following day. (File)

The charge relates to Pati’s death after an altercation at a Mahora address on Saturday October 11 2025.

Authorities were called to the property shortly after 9.45am following reports of a fight involving a group of males. During the incident, Pati suffered a critical head injury after striking the ground. He was transported to Wellington Hospital but died from his injuries late the following day.

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A 29-year-old Napier man has been charged with murder. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Napier High Court on June 8 2026.

Inquiries into the homicide remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting file number 251011/1232.

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