Gisborne homicide: Woman appears in court charged with murder of Wayne Dewes

Wayne Tamahori Dewes is believed to have been murdered on his 67th birthday, after he died in hospital from severe injuries. Photo / Supplied

A woman charged with murder after the death of Wayne Dewes in Gisborne on Labour Day has been granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.

The 27-year-old appeared briefly in Gisborne District Court this afternoon.

Three people sat silently in the public gallery during the proceeding.

The judge granted a defence request for interim name suppression, which was not opposed by the Crown.

The woman will appear in the High Court at Gisborne late next month.

Police were called at 4.20am on October 28 after reports of a man with severe injuries.

Dewes was rushed to hospital, where he died a short time later.

According to tributes online, he died on the night of his 67th birthday.

A homicide investigation began and this morning police said a murder charge had been laid against the woman.

Earlier today, Detective Inspector David de Lange said police were pleased to have made an arrest.

“It brings some sense of reassurance to the whānau and the wider community. Police would like to thank members of the public who came forward with information.”