The man accused of murdering a 76-year-old Whangamata resident earlier this month has pleaded not guilty.
Ivan Kapluggin, a British national, was found dead at a house on Achilles Ave in Whangamata on February 3.
A 61-year-old Whangamata man was charged with his murder yesterday.
Anthony Ballantyne pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared briefly in Hamilton District Court today.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance tomorrow afternoon, when a bail application would be heard.
Commenting on the arrest this morning, Detective Inspector Karl Thornton said officers had spoken to Mr Kapluggin's family and expressed their condolences.
"The family have expressed their gratitude to our staff for being able to hold someone to account and have requested their privacy be respected."
Mr Thornton thanked the members of the public who had helped police throughout their investigation.