Three of the four men accused of the murder of Boy Taylor appear behind a glass barrier in the High Court at Napier on February 4. They are, from left, Rua Hune, 33, Tuarima Alexander, 21, and Takarangi Kumar, 18. A fourth man, out of shot, has name suppression. Photo / Ric Stevens
Three of the four men accused of the murder of Boy Taylor appear behind a glass barrier in the High Court at Napier on February 4. They are, from left, Rua Hune, 33, Tuarima Alexander, 21, and Takarangi Kumar, 18. A fourth man, out of shot, has name suppression. Photo / Ric Stevens
Four men charged with the murder of Napier street dweller Boy Taylor have pleaded not guilty and are heading for a trial next year.
Name suppression was lifted on Tuesday for three of the accused: Tuarima Issac Alexander, 21, Rua Waka Hune, 33, and Takarangi Kumar, 18. Name suppression was continued for a fourth man, aged 19.
All four appeared behind a glass barrier in the High Court at Napier on Tuesday morning and were remanded until a callover date on June 13.
All remain in custody but court dates have been set for bail applications to be heard.
Taylor was found about 3.15am on December 18 on the pavement about a metre or two from a recess between two businesses near the corner of Emerson St and Hastings St in the Napier CBD.
Police said he had injuries consistent with an assault. Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he died at the scene.
Taylor was a homeless man but had family from Tangoio, north of Napier.
Members of his family and relatives of the accused filled the public gallery at the court on Tuesday morning, listening quietly to the short administrative hearing.
Justice Dale La Hood appeared via an audio-visual link from Wellington as Crown and defence counsel in Napier agreed on a trial date in April 2026.
Justice La Hood said the trial had been set down for four weeks but Crown Solicitor Steve Manning said only two weeks might be needed.
Taylor was known in the Napier CBD as friendly and sometimes talkative, and could be seen with a supermarket trolley carrying his belongings. A trolley was found at the scene.
Boy Taylor, who died in the streets of Napier in the week before Christmas.
Tributes were paid on social media after he died, saying he was a “gentle soul”, who was keen to help when he could.
Taylor had been associated with the non-profit organisation the Tairimu Trust, founded by Zack Makoare in 2007 to “turn the tide” on Māori health disparities by encouraging future leaders.
Makoare said Taylor was a “likeable”, “harmless” and helpful man who had his issues, but had been well-liked.
Police allege a second victim was robbed at the scene. The four accused have also been charged with wounding with intent and aggravated robbery.
Ric Stevens spent many years working for the former New Zealand Press Association news agency, including as a political reporter at Parliament, before holding senior positions at various daily newspapers. He joined NZME’s Open Justice team in 2022 and is based in Hawke’s Bay. His writing in the crime and justice sphere is informed by four years of frontline experience as a probation officer.
