Body of Dargaville mother of eight found dead on Kaipara beach to undergo post-mortem

Jo Sione-Lauaki, a mother of eight from Dargaville, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on a remote beach in the Kaipara district.

Her husband, Jared Sione-Lauaki, received a one-word text, “Help,” before she disappeared.

Despite his efforts to contact her and subsequent search, her body was discovered between Omamari and Aranga beaches. The police are treating her death as “unexplained” and are conducting a post-mortem to determine the cause.

Jared described “Jojo” to legacy media as a loving mother and a vibrant, stubborn personality.

The police investigation continues, and Jared strongly believes that someone else was involved in his wife’s death. He and their children are preparing to bring Jojo’s body back home for a funeral and cremation, where her ashes will be shared among her children.

The body was found about 2pm yesterday between Omamari and Aranga beaches, a remote stretch of coastline about 35 kilometres north-west of Dargaville.

She was reported missing yesterday after she failed to return home Thursday night. Police later found her vehicle at Omamari Beach, with cordons put up and forensic examinations taking place.

If you saw a woman wearing a green puffer jacket north of Omamari Beach between 8pm Thursday 1 August, and Friday 10am 2 August, please contact Police on 105 and reference file number: 240803/9062.

Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.