A homicide investigation has been launched after the discovery of a 70-year-old woman's body at a house in the Far North town of Kaitaia last night.
Police were called to 91 Matthews Avenue about 5.30pm after neighbours found the dead woman.
Northland police communications officer Sarah Kennett said inquiries revealed that a male was seen walking away from the house earlier in the day.
Police also received a call from a Matthews Avenue resident about a suspicious person on his property.
Ms Kennett said a 17-year-old male had been arrested on an unrelated matter but was considered a person of interest in the homicide investigation.
She appealed to anyone with information about any suspicious activity around the dead woman's home to contact Kaitaia police.
Police have not named the woman as next of kin have yet to be contacted.
