Police have launched a homicide investigation in the rural Bay of Plenty's Whakamarama, near Tauranga

Emergency services were called to an Old Highway property about 8.35 last night.

Detective Inspector Lew Warner says a man with critical injuries died despite medical assistance.

Forensic scene examination will start today.

Warner says local residents will notice increased police presence.

A reporter at the scene says a rural property near Barrett Road is cordoned off and multiple police vehicles are at the scene.