A 26-year-old man facing a charge of murder can now be named.

Colin Richard Jeffries-Smith stands accused in relation to the death of 58-year-old Lance Wayne Waite.

Lance was dropped off at Tauranga Hospital with critical injuries earlier this month and died in hospital later in the same day.

Following his death, police and AOS carried out raids at Wilrose Place in Gate Pa, where they believe the accused was prior to Lance being dropped off, and at an address in Ngatai Road, near Bureta.

Enquiries made at the Bureta address resulted in the arrest of the 26-year-old.

Jeffries-Smith is next set to appear at Rotorua High Court on February 7, where he is expected to enter a plea.