Victim named in alleged homicide case at Tauranga's Huria Marae

Ariana Mahu has been named as the woman killed in an incident at Tauranga's Huria Marae. Photo/file/supplied

The 37-year-old woman who died at Huria Marae in Judea was Ariana Eve Mahu from Tauranga.

Police were called to the marae at 11.50pm on Thursday after the victim is alleged to have suffered critical injuries to her neck. She did not survive.

Ms Mahu was a mother of two and a "second mum to all of her nieces and nephews, and all children who were naturally drawn to her", a death notice said.

Ariana Mahu.

The incident that is alleged to have led to Ms Mahu's death happened in the midst of tangi commemorations for beloved iwi leader Morehu Ngatoko Rahipere, who died this week.

It is understood the alleged incident happened in the marae's dining room area.

A 21-year-old charged with Ms Mahu's murder was remanded in custody when he appeared in Tauranga District Court on Friday.

The defendant's next court appearance is in the Tauranga High Court on March 7.