Far North man charged with murder

File photo / NZH

A Far North man has been charged with murder following the discovery of an Auckland man's body near a popular hiking track in Northland.

The 33-year-old Kaeo man was initially charged with kidnapping Jack John Davis but the more serious charge was added when he appeared in the Kaikohe District Court yesterday.

Police launched a homicide investigation last Friday following the discovery of Mr Davis' body in bush near the Wairakau Track, in Totara North, 14km north of Kaeo.

Defence lawyer Gary Gotlieb did not request bail for his client but did ask for name suppression, even though no suppression was sought when the man first appeared in Whangarei.

Mr Gotlieb said "matters of a considerably complex nature" meant the man's name should not be further publicised. He asked to discuss the suppression in chambers with Judge James Rota.

When Judge Rota emerged he said interim suppression, at least until the accused's next court appearance, was justified given the "sensitive matters" raised by Mr Gotlieb.

Judge Rota would not say what they were and the accused man was remanded in custody until March 28.

- NZPA