Autopsy on body found in burnt-out car

A postmortem examination is under way on a body found in a burnt-out car in a forest area between Taupo and Tokoroa.

Fire Services were called to Ohakuri about 9.45am yesterday after receiving reports of smoke, fire spokeswoman Nicole Bernard said.

When fire services arrived, a 4WD vehicle was fully ablaze and a body was found at the scene.

Ms Bernard said the fire was not the result of a crash.

The scene examination was finished by police last night and the body was removed.

"There is nothing at this stage that suggests that this death is suspicious, however enquiries are ongoing and the post mortem examination needs to be completed to provide us with information about the cause of death," said Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Perks.

"It may be some time before full results of that process are known."

Police said they believe they know the identity of the person but won't comment further until it has been confirmed and the family have been notified.