Man pleads not-guilty to murder of Kaikohe 3-year-old Catalya Tangimetua-Pepene

Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene, 3, is remembered by her family as their 'beautiful darling'.

The man charged with the murder of Kaikohe 3-year-old Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Catalya, known to close family as Remana, died at a Tawanui Rd house on May 21.

Kaikohe man Drummond Augustine Leaf, 45, was charged with her murder, along with assault on her a month earlier.

He appeared in the High Court in Whangārei today through audio-visual link.

Leaf pleaded not guilty to the two charges through his lawyer Adam Pell and elected trial by jury.

Judge David Johnstone set a trial date for February 2027, although he said it could be held earlier if availability in the court allowed.

Drummond Leaf, 45, from Kaikohe is charged with the murder of 3-year-old Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene on May 21. Photo / Denise Piper

Leaf was previously granted temporary name suppression but that was lifted today.

He was remanded in custody until his trial and ordered to appear before the court on July 18.

Catalya’s death sparked outrage in Northland, including in the tight-knit community of Kaikohe.

At least 400 people took part in a hīkoi through the town on June 2 to pay tribute to the 3-year-old.

• This story has been updated to report that Catalya died at a Tawanui Rd house on May 21.

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.