New Zealander accused of Norfolk Island murder enters no plea

New Zealand man Glenn McNeill did not enter a plea to a charge of murder as his committal hearing got underway on Norfolk Island today.

McNeill was arrested in February and charged with murdering Janelle Patton on Norfolk Island in 2002.

Janelle Patton's death was the first murder recorded on the self-governing island in 150 years.

A magistrate will decide if McNeill should stand trial for Ms Patton's murder during the five-day hearing in the island's small court house at Kingston.

AAP reported McNeill as appearing in court flanked by police officers as his parents looked on from the crowded public gallery. Ms Patton's mother and father sat nearby.

Ms Patton's mother, Carol Patton said outside the courthouse the coming week would be very difficult for the family.

"We have mixed emotions coming back here to Norfolk Island as there have been some very happy times for us here and it was our daughter's home for nearly three years," she said.

"However, it was also where our daughter Janelle died."

Carol Patton said the family hopes to get as many answers as possible about what happened to their daughter.

More than 30 witnesses will be called to give evidence at the hearing.

Ms Patton's body was found wrapped in plastic and dumped at a picnic spot. The 29-year-old restaurant manager been beaten and stabbed. Her parents were visiting at the time.

Since 1979 Norfolk Island has been self governed, without the application of most Australian law and services.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA