Man accused of 33-year-old murder back in court

Name suppression for a 70-year-old Rotorua man charged with the 1979 murder of Rodney Tahu in Turangi is to continue until later this month.

The man is charged with the 1979 murder of Mr Tahu, a service station attendant.

The man appeared in the Rotorua District Court this morning where his lawyer, Jonathan Temm, asked for continued name suppression.

Judge Phillip Cooper said he had only just received submissions and affidavits and needed time to consider them.

He said he would give his decision on January 25.

The case is thought to be the longest running cold case in New Zealand to end in an arrest.

Mr Tahu was found with gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder but died shortly after arriving at Taumarunui Hospital.