The family of Harley Shrimpton are still in shock following Police locating his body this week.

A funeral service for Harley attended by his family and friends was held on Friday afternoon following the return of his body to family on Thursday.

It has been a long month with no answers for Harley’s family who was still trying to come to terms with what happened to him.

Harley, age 28, had been missing since November 3 and was reported missing to police on November 17.

Police have launched a homicide investigation after his body was located this week.

“In November 2023, our family member Harley Shrimpton was kidnapped, and was later found deceased after being a victim of foul play,” says a family member.

A Givealittle page has been set up on behalf of Harley’s mother and siblings to help towards covering his funeral costs and supporting his children.

“As you can imagine, the toll this is taking on our whanau is unimaginable.

“Our whanau is in extreme shock and disbelief and struggling after this loss, not only emotionally but financially. We are raising funds to help with funeral costs.”

Harley is a father to two young children.

“He is a son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and so much more. Harley did not deserve to have his life taken so young and tragically.

“He will be so deeply missed by all of his whanau and friends.”

The Givealittle page has already raised over $1400 towards funeral expenses.

“If you can help with anything no matter how big or small, towards helping us put Harley to rest, and anything else the whanau need during this time, we would be hugely grateful.

“Anything left over will help his family with any extras they may need in the next few weeks.”

A 21-year-old male appeared in the Tauranga District Court on Wednesday, December 6, charged with the kidnapping of Harley.

He is due to reappear later this month.

Police have been seen at rural addresses in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Over the past two weeks, police have searched a number of addresses in the Western Bay of Plenty, says Bay of Plenty Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow.

"As a result, the body of a male was located at a Poripori Road address and we have since confirmed this is Harley.

"Clearly, this is devastating news for the family of Harley, who had continued to hold out hope for his safe return since his disappearance,” says Detective Inspector Pilbrow.

"Police are working closely with the family as they navigate through this very difficult time."

Harley was well known in the Tauranga community and police are keen to hear from any of his friends, associates or extended family, who may have information surrounding his disappearance, says Detective Inspector Pilbrow.

"There will be people who have knowledge of this incident and we are appealing for those persons to come forward to Police. 

"Police also want to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle of interest to this investigation -  a blue Toyota Prius on November, 3 either in the Tauriko, Omanawa or Poripori Road areas, from early afternoon onwards."

Police are seeking sightings of a blue Prius. Photo: Supplied.

Information can be passed to Police via our 105 phone service, or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and using 'Update Report', referencing file number 231117/9085.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

To help raise funds for Harley’s family please go to the Givealittle page.