Third man charged with murder in Pakuranga Heights courier driver killing

Authorities have laid a third murder charge in the investigation into the fatal shooting of an Auckland courier driver.

Operation Block was launched on August 19, 2024 after 59-year-old courier driver Tuipulotu Vi was found dead inside a vehicle on Marvon Downs Avenue in Pakuranga Heights. Emergency services were called about 6.45am following reports of gunshots.

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A 26-year-old man has now been charged with murder in relation to the killing.

The man is currently in custody in the United States for unrelated offending and is now subject to an extradition process back to New Zealand. Authorities are working with overseas counterparts as the process unfolds.

Court documents reported this week allege the accused travelled from the United States to New Zealand to carry out the shooting before leaving the country shortly afterwards.

Two other people have already been charged over Vi’s death and remain before the courts.

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The homicide investigation remains ongoing and further details are limited as the matter is before the courts.

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