Man to stand trial over Kawerau murder

File photo / NZ Herald

A man will stand trial for the murder of a Kawerau man.

Thomas Edward Ray, 31, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today where he pleaded not guilty to murdering 23-year-old Gareth Kaipara.

Mr Kaipara was stabbed in the neck at a Kawerau address on January 10.

Police were alerted after someone at the house made a 111 call requesting an ambulance.

Ambulance staff then contacted police.

Ray was remanded in custody to reappear for a bail application on June 12.

His trial was set for February 24, 2014.