Killed man taken to prison for father's farewell

Tongariro/Rangipo Prison in Turangi. FILE

Joe Collier's body was today taken to prison for his father to farewell him.

The 22-year-old Opotiki man was killed after a large fight in the town on Sunday night.

His body was taken to Tongariro/Rangipo Prison in Turangi this morning, escorted by family members and police.

Dennis Goodin, the Department of Corrections' acting regional commissioner, central region, said Mr Collier's body was taken to the prison so his father, a prisoner there, had the opportunity to farewell his son.

He said the group was taken to a secure, private area with no other prisoners present. A kaumatua performed a blessing and welcomed the body onto the site.

As the visit took place, a 34-year-old Opotiki man appeared in the Rotorua District Court charged with Mr Collier's murder.

The man, who was granted interim name suppression, was remanded in custody without plea until August 6.