Name of man who died at Ōrere Point released

Counties Manukau Police say they’ve formally released the name of the man who died at Ōrere Point last Sunday, March 2.

He was Faasala Samu Matue, aged 45, police say.

Counties Manukau Police District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, says a blessing was conducted at the scene with family and iwi present yesterday Thursday morning.

“Police extend our condolences to his family at this difficult time.

“A post-mortem was completed on Wednesday. However, Mr Matue’s cause of death has not been determined as yet.”

Gray says police will await further findings from a pathologist.

Meanwhile, the critical incident investigation remains ongoing into the wider events that unfolded on Sunday afternoon, he says.

“Police are continuing to ask any witnesses with information or footage to come forward.

“Please make contact with police online or by calling 105.

“A member of the investigation team will be in contact about the next steps,” Gray says.

Police advise that the reference number 250302/2478 be used or cite Operation Fielder.

• For earlier Times stories about the incident at Ōrere Point on Sunday, March 2, read:

https://www.times.co.nz/news/police-appeal-for-orere-point-witness-accounts/

https://www.times.co.nz/news/new-details-following-mans-death-in-police-custody/

https://www.times.co.nz/news/man-threatens-police-with-samurai-sword/