“We are continuing to piece together what happened and it is only a matter of time before we identify and locate those involved.”
Police confirmed on Thursday the death was being treated as suspicious.
“This was an abhorrent act and we are determined to hold those responsible to account,” James said.
“A large team of investigators are working to find answers for the deceased’s whānau including determining what occurred.”
Officers on Friday were forensically examining the vehicle, which had been removed from the scene, James said.
“We are a dedicated team working to locate those involved, if you know who was involved do not take it into your own hands, contact police or come into the Hastings police station.”