A homicide investigation has been launched after a man died on the main street of Ōtorohanga on Saturday evening.

Police were called to Maniapoto Street around 6.30pm to reports of a large group of people fighting.

On arrival, a man in his 30s was located seriously injured.

Medical attention was given but unfortunately the man died at the scene.

A section of Maniapoto Street/SH 3 is cordoned off while officers conduct a scene examination, and is likely to remain cordoned for some time.

Police are following lines of inquiry to locate those responsible.

"We want to reassure the public Police are committed to holding these offenders to account," says Police Inspector Neil Faulkner.

"Residents of Ōtorohanga can expect to see a Police presence in the town as we work to determine the circumstances of this incident."