Kawerau stabbing: Murder accused appears in court

A man accused of murdering 23-year-old Kawerau man Gareth Lardelli Kaipara earlier this month has appeared in the Whakatane District Court.

The man, who has name suppression, was remanded in custody for a post committal hearing on March 13.

His lawyer, Roger Gowing, told the court a mental health report had been completed and, as a result of that report, a hearing date could be set.

Police allege the man murdered Mr Kaipara at a Kawerau property on January 10.