Tauranga murder trial adjourned until Monday

The sudden illness of a jury member has meant the adjournment of the murder trial relating to the death of 19-year-old Takena Tiepa-Ranapia until Monday.

The trial which began in the High Court at Tauranga on Monday, resumed this morning with Guy Wikeepa being cross-examined by the defence lawyer for one of the three accused.

Re-examination of Mr Wikeepa's evidence has just began by the Crown prosecutor Greg Hollister-Jones before there was a sudden halt in the proceedings.

Hiakita Hori Eruera, his wife Hyacin Eruera, and their associate Paul William Taki are defending one count each of murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault with a weapon.

Mr Eruera is accused of stabbing Mr Tiepa-Ranapia in the neck at a Mansfield St, Ohauiti house in the early hours of November 30 last year.

The other two accused are charged as parties to the alleged murder.

The latter two charges relate to the alleged attacks on Brooklyn Ormsby-Ratahi with a knife by Mr Eruera and assault on Mr Wikeepa by Taki shortly before the deceased was stabbed.

Justice Christian Whata sent the jury home for the weekend around 11am.