Home invasion accused remain behind bars

Two local men charged with a home invasion burglary at a Papamoa property on Friday have appeared in court and remain behind bars.

Paul Toeke, 39, of Papamoa Beach and Kingi Ranapia, 34, from Mount Maunganui, faced a joint charge of aggravated burglary when they appeared in Tauranga District Court today.

Police, who opposed bail for both men, allege the pair were armed with a hammer when they invaded a Karewa Parade property on Friday March 7.

Toeke, who is yet to enter a plea to the charge, was remanded in custody by consent.

He is due back in court on March 17.

Toeke's alleged co-offender Ranapia, who is also yet to plead to the charge, did not make a bail application and he was remanded in custody to next appear in court on March 31.