A mill worker charged with murdering Opotiki man Joe Collier has pleaded not guilty.
Tamaikoha Takao. Photo: RNZ / Natalie Mankelow
Mr Collier, who was 22, died after what was believed to be a gang fight between two groups of people from neighbouring houses.
Tamaikoha Takao, 34, appeared at the High Court in Tauranga on Wednesday morning facing one charge of murder.
There was a heavy police presence in court, with about five officers and security guards in the building.
In an earlier court appearance, the accused man's name was suppressed because of a fear for his family, but his lawyer did not ask for the suppression to continue.
Mr Takao will appear in court again in October when a trial date is expected to be set.
