Police have charged a man with murder in relation to the death of a man dropped at Tauranga Hospital yesterday morning.

The victim, 58-year-old Lance Wayne Waite, was dropped at the hospital with critical injuries around 11.30am.

He died in hospital a short time later, says Detective Inspector Lewis Warner.

'Police's thoughts are with his whanau and friends.

'This morning Police and AOS made enquiries at an address on Ngatai Road, Otumoetai and a 26-year-old man was arrested.

'He has since been charged with murder and is set to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow.”

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

'We would particularly like to hear from anyone who was in the Wilrose Place area on 3 January 2018.

'Police are confident there is no risk to the public following this incident. As this matter is now before the court, Police is not in a position to comment further.”