5 Jan 2023

Teenager charged with murder following death of man in Te Puke

5:03 pm on 5 January 2023
Auckland, New Zealand - December 24, 2020: Close up of a New Zealand police officer's uniform and badge

Photo: 123RF

A teenager has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Te Puke just after Christmas.

He is the second person to be charged in relation to the death of 44-year-old Takumanu Paul.

The 17-year-old was due to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court on Thursday.

Police were called to the corner of Seddon Street and Station Road in Te Puke just after midnight on 27 December and found Paul seriously injured.

He was unable to be revived by emergency services.

A 38-year-old woman was the first person to be charged with murder in relation to Paul's death and was remanded in custody following a court appearance on 28 December.

"An investigation into the death of Paul is ongoing and police continue to appeal for information which could assist our inquiries," police said.

"If you can help, please contact police via our 105 phone service or online.

"Please reference file number 221227/3402."