Woman admits murdering another woman at Northland holiday park

In the High Court in Whangārei on Monday, Kaytee Tahau admitted murdering Saralee Moke in Houhora on April 4, 2024. Photo / Denise Piper

A 48-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to murdering another woman, Saralee Moke, at a Far North holiday park last year.

The murder occurred at Houhora Heads Holiday Park in Pukenui - an idyllic spot north of Kaitāia - on April 4, 2024.

Police were called to the park about 12.30am and found Moke with critical injuries. Despite emergency efforts, she died at the scene.

Kaytee Ngaire Tahau was charged with her murder, as well as two charges of assaulting Moke with a weapon.

She also faced several charges of assaulting another woman, Renee Bevan, with whom she was in a family relationship with, including one charge of assaulting Bevan with a weapon.

Tahau initially pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was due to go before a jury, with a trial starting this week.

But in the High Court at Whangārei today, Tahau instead pleaded guilty to the murder on April 4 and one charge of assaulting Bevan with a weapon - the frame of a mirror - on April 3.

The other assault charges were dropped.

A number of the victim’s family members were present in the courtroom, as well as streaming in from other courts. They remained silent as Tahau admitted the two charges.

Justice Graham Lang explained to the family members that resolving the charges meant the two-week trial did not have to go ahead.

“At least you don’t have the burden of a defended trial and you’ve seen her acknowledge the charge of murder in open court,” he said.

Tahau is due to be sentenced on October 10.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.