Two Mount Maunganui men accused of murdering a 19-year-old man found dead in Ohauiti will defend the charges at a jury trial in November.
Name suppression lapsed for Hiakita Hori Eruera, 36, and Paul William Taki, 37, who denied one count each of murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with a weapon, namely a wrench, when they appeared in the High Court at Tauranga yesterday.
Lawyers Paul Mabey QC and Nicholas Dutch told Justice Mary Peters there were no grounds to seek continued name suppression nor oppose an application by the Bay of Plenty Times to take photographs of the accused.
Mr Mabey and Mr Dutch said their clients denied all three charges, which could be tried together, rather than have two separate trials.
Crown solicitor Greg Hollister-Jones said it was agreed a jury trial could be set down to begin in the High Court at Rotorua on November 23.