Key Takeaways
- Police have released images of vehicles believed to be involved in a targeted home invasion that resulted in a death on the Kapiti Coast last month.
- The vehicles include a silver 2013 BMW M5, a white 2005 Suzuki Swift, a white 2013 Hilux ute, and a grey 2008 Audi A3 station wagon.
- Six people have been arrested in connection with the homicide, with five charged with murder and one charged with being an accessory.
- Police are seeking anyone with information or dashcam footage of the vehicles between 1pm and 7pm on November 19.
Introduction to the Incident
On November 19, police were called to Kākāriki Grove in Waikanae to reports of an altercation, which ultimately led to the death of 45-year-old Michael Tofts. Despite medical attention, Tofts was found critically injured and died at the scene, prompting a homicide investigation. The incident has been described as a targeted home invasion, and police have been working to piece together the events surrounding the alleged murder.
Vehicles Involved in the Incident
Police have released images of four vehicles believed to be involved in the home invasion, either directly or indirectly. The vehicles include a silver 2013 BMW M5, a white 2005 Suzuki Swift, a white 2013 Hilux ute, and a grey 2008 Audi A3 station wagon. According to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, the occupants of these vehicles are thought to have been involved in the lead-up to the home invasion and the incident itself. It is believed that the vehicles travelled to the Kapiti Coast from different locations in the Wellington Region, including Hutt Valley.
Arrests and Charges
Six people have been arrested in connection with the homicide, with five of them being male gang associates between the ages of 23 and 43. These individuals have been charged with murder, while a sixth person, a 26-year-old man, has been charged with being an accessory. Several attackers were injured in the incident, and a firearm was involved. All of those arrested will appear in the Wellington High Court on January 23, 2026. Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are seeking anyone with information or dashcam footage of the vehicles between 1pm and 7pm on November 19.
Police Investigation and Appeal for Information
The police investigation into the homicide is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information or sightings of the vehicles to come forward. Detective Inspector Jamie Woods has stated that the white Suzuki Swift is believed to have travelled over Akatarawa Road towards Upper Hutt after the alleged murder, while the silver BMW travelled towards Paraparaumu and may have disposed of items. All of the vehicles are believed to have been in and around Paraparaumu and Waikanae around the time of the homicide. Police can be contacted by phoning 105, online, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident on the Kapiti Coast has resulted in a significant police investigation, with six arrests made and charges laid. As the investigation continues, police are seeking the public’s help in piecing together the events surrounding the alleged murder. Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the vehicles is urged to come forward, and police can be contacted through various channels. The case is set to appear in the Wellington High Court on January 23, 2026, and it is likely that further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
