A Kaitaia man accused of murdering a 28-year-old woman will defend the charge.
Viliami One Fungavaka, 45, a plasterer, appeared in the Whangarei District Court this afternoon. He was remanded in custody after a brief appearance before Judge Duncan.
No plea was entered but his lawyer Kahungunu Barron-Afeaki indicated that Fungavaka would plead not guilty to the charge.
He will next appear in the High Court at Whangarei on September 12.
Fungavaka is accused of murdering Georgina Manuel, 28, during a road vehicle incident on Pukepoto Rd, Kaitaia, on Tuesday. She died in Whangarei Hospital about 5am yesterday morning.
