Police are launching a homicide investigation into human remains dug up from a shallow grave in the Central Plateau

The remains found on Rangipo Intake Rd, near Tongariro are believed to be those of a Chinese man in his 30s, missing since 2017.

A scene examination of a property at McWhirters Farm Lane in West Auckland's Massey was completed this morning.

Detective Inspector John Sutton says the owners of the property - which changed hands recently - have no connection to the investigation.

He says detectives have been speaking to locals about previous activity at the address.