The daughter of former Kiwis rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is said to be upset by media reports that she said had unfairly maligned her after a public spat she had with her father.
A source close to the family said Heaven-Leigh Nikau was staying with relatives following an incident
outside the Huntly police station in February in which Nikau allegedly grabbed his daughter by the neck after an argument. She reportedly fell to the ground before going into the station, where she laid a complaint.
The source said Heaven-Leigh said their relationship was strained and the pair had not spoken since the incident.
They also said Heaven-Leigh was upset by some newspaper reports that brought her mental health into question.
"She definitely feels that it hasn't been totally fair, but she's staying away from saying anything.
"But she's coping really well. She's being supported and assisted by [a Huntly] family."
Yesterday, Tawera Nikau appeared at the Huntly District Court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of male assaults female. The 45-year-old was accompanied by his wife, Hayley, and lawyer Gary Gotlieb.
Community magistrate Sue Hovell questioned some of the reporting of the incident. She said the private and personal family matter had been sensationalised unfairly because of Nikau's prominent public profile as a sports star and now successful businessman.
"This is a family matter of a sensitive nature. There are concerns over the daughter's mental health, but concerns not only for her but also her children... so any publicity should be minimised."
Ms Hovell remanded Nikau to reappear before the court on June 1.
Nikau left the court quickly after his brief appearance, with a polite "no comment, thanks mate".
The Nikau family source said he was "hugely respected" and well-liked in the Huntly community and seen as a role model. "Ask anyone and they'll all say the same thing, he's a good man."
