Police say a house fire in Whangarei last month was arson - and they've launched a homicide investigation into a man's death in the blaze

Emergency services were called to Tikipunga's Thomas Street on April 29.

Despite medical attention, 61-year-old Hoani Reupena-Tuoro died at the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton says they're released a CCTV image of person seen in the school behind the property -- and are asking the public to help identify him.