A 45-year-old man from Stratford has been charged with the murder of George Taiaroa in Atiamuri in 2013.

He was arrested without incident at an address in Stratford this morning and will appear in New Plymouth District Court tomorrow.

A 45-year-old man is facing a murder charge in relation to the fatal shooting of George Taiaroa. Photo: Supplied.

'I've stated on a number of occasions in the last couple of years that the passing of time doesn't lower our resolve; it just increases our determination,” says Detective Superintendent Tim Anderson.

'The professionalism and commitment of the team investigating Mr Taiaroa's death has not wavered for a second, and it is their determination and attention to detail that has got us to this point.”

Tim says there is still a great deal of work ahead as officers enter into another significant phase in the investigation. 'To protect the integrity of those legal proceedings it's not appropriate for me to elaborate further on today's development.

'I would like to acknowledge Mr Taiaroa's whanau,” says Tim.

'They have been kept informed regularly and they have shown great patience, strength and dignity throughout.

'I would also like to acknowledge members of the community who have assisted us throughout this lengthy investigation.”

George's family ask that the media respect their privacy at this time.

Stratford man charged with the murder of George Taiaroa in 2013 https://t.co/eapEoTvxSd

— Bay of Plenty Police (@BOPPolice) November 18, 2015