The man killed in a suspected homicide in Whakatāne has been named.

Mark Hohua, 48, was taken to Whakatāne Hospital shortly before 11.30am on Saturday, June 18.

He was hurt in a 'serious assault”, says police.

Hohua was airlifted to Waikato hospital for treatment but died from his injuries later that day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson says the incident is "gang related", but he could not provide further details without compromising the ongoing investigation.

-Additoonal reporting by Stuff.co.nz