Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Police have charged 12 people with the murder of Zain Taikato Fox, who died after being brought in to Rotorua Hospital on 28 July with critical injuries.
Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson said it was a big day for the small town.
"Most of those arrested are from Maketū, and these arrests will have a significant positive impact on the township," he said.
"It's great to have progressed this investigation to this point."
It was hoped the arrests would reassure the greater Bay of Plenty community, he said.
Police iwi liaison officers were in Maketū on Thursday and Rawlinson said they would remain to help those affected by the arrests get any support they needed.
The arrests included four Rotorua men aged 23, 25, 29 and 54, seven Maketū men aged 37, 38 and 63, along with two aged 22 and two who were 40 and a male youth who was arrested in Whanganui.
All 12 people are expected to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court on Thursday, although the youth who was arrested in Whanganui will appear by video link.
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