Auckland Police have released the name of the Auckland taxi driver whose death is now a homicide investigation.

The deceased driver has been identified as:

MOHINI / Hiren
DOB - 27/10/1970
Resident of Mount Roskill - Auckland:
Taxi Driver - Auckland Co-Op Taxis

Mr. MOHINI was the driver of a taxi which crashed into a tree in View Road Mount Eden at about 1.23am this morning.

The police officer leading the investigation Detective Senior Sergeant Hywel Jones says a post mortem examination has revealed a stabbing to the upper torso of the body. The victim died at the scene. He is married with a family.

A team of investigators has been interviewing a number of witnesses several of whom are residents in View Road. The police cordon in the area has been lifted. The taxi is now at Auckland City Police Station for further forensic examination.

The mode of weapon used to kill the deceased driver is not yet determined.

Witnesses sighted a male running in the direction of Esplanade Road at about the time of the crash and a search is in progress to establish the identity and whereabouts of this man.

Police have issued a good description of a man whom they wish to talk to.

They believe this man hired the taxi at about 1.20am in the Auckland CBD.

Security surveillance footage is being accessed for examination.

SUSPECT:

Male - dark skinned
Age - mid to late twenties
Height - about 5 feet 9 inches
Slim build
. Long greasy hair to the back of his neck
. Swept back from the forehead -
. Wavy / curly style

Clothing - long sleeve button up shirt
Dark denim jeans
Black leather shoes

This individual was carrying a black bag with a strap.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on the Operation Edgewater 0800 number that has been set up to assist the investigation.

The number is 0800 OPERATION EDGEWATER: [0800 444 014]

The popular Crimestoppers line is accessible anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police will make no further comment on this investigation until tomorrow.