It might be several days before police can identify the body found in a burning car north of Waihola on Monday.
Acting Detective Inspector Colin Blackie said the person would need to be formally identified using forensics and dental records.
Police would continue to treat the death as unexplained.
The body was removed from the scene yesterday and a postmortem carried out in Dunedin. The results of the postmortem would not be released.
Environmental Science and Research staff from Christchurch completed a scene examination, the vehicle was removed, and the road reopened by 5.30pm yesterday.
A police iwi liaison officer will perform a karakia tomorrow.
Police are interested in any information about a red Ford Focus hatchback travelling on State Highway 1 between Henley-Berwick Rd and Titri Rd early on Monday.
Anyone with information should call the Dunedin police station (03) 471-4800 or Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
