The man found dead at a property in Merivale on Sunday is security guard Lance Michael Scullin, say Tauranga Police.

The 50-year-old Merivale man, believed to have three children, was found by neighbours at about 10am on Sunday.

Police at the scene near Merivale Primary School. Inset: Lance Scullin.

Police outside Merivale School, near where Lance Scullin was found dead.

Lance, a Merivale Neighbourhood Support Group co-ordinator, was assaulted after providing assistance to members of the public during an altercation outside his home, say police.

The Merivale community is today in shock after the news of Lance's death. Read about the community's reaction here.

The post-mortem examination conducted in Auckland this morning was inconclusive and police are waiting further testing to establish the cause of death.

Police are now seeking the weapon used in the assault.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says this is a 200mm x 25mm (8 x 1) fence paling painted with a dark brown fencing paint.

Police found a part of the paling in Merivale School grounds and are seeking the public's assistance to find the rest, which could be discarded in the Merivale area.

Police responded to a disorder incident in Kesteven Ave shortly before 10pm on Saturday night and spoke then with Lance Scullin, who had a minor injury, says Greg.

Despite Lance making no complaint, police officers spoke to people in the area and conducted patrols to locate those responsible.

'The enquiry team remains focused on identifying and locating those responsible for the assault on Lance and seeks the community's assistance in identifying those who are responsible for the attack on a man, who has provided assistance to that community,” says Greg.

Police want to hear from anyone in the area of Kesteven Ave or Merivale School on Sunday night or this morning who has any information that may assist with this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.