Tauranga marae killer was insane at the time of frenzied knife attack: Justice Laing

A sole police officer stands guard at the scene of a homicide at Huria Marae in Judea, Tauranga. Photo/file

The man accused of murdering a woman on a Tauranga marae during a tangi was found to be 'insane' at the time of the frenzied attack.

Name suppression has today been lifted for Tamati Hakaraia Mason, who carried out the stabbing of Ariana Eva Mahu on February 28 at Huria Marae.

Justice Graham Lang said he agreed with the medical assessments of Mason by the Crown, and defence instructed psychiatrists, that he was insane at the time of the offence.

"I see no reason form a different view."

Mason was remanded as a special patient in a mental health facility. His release can only be authorised by the Minister of Health.