Accused's brother shakes hands with victim's son

Lois Dear

The brother of the man accused of murdering Tokoroa schoolteacher Lois Dear shook hands with her son outside court yesterday.

Piri Te Hiko approached the 66-year-old teacher's son, Kevin McNeil, after the accused, Whetu Te Hiko, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua.

Te Hiko, 23, has pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody for another callover on November 9, when a trial date will be set.

Outside the court, Piri Te Hiko said he was certain Ms Dear's family hated his family and he told Mr McNeil he was sorry for his loss.

Mr McNeil replied: "We don't hate your family, mate.

"As a family, we hold nothing against your family."

Mr McNeil and Mr Te Hiko then shook hands and a woman with Mr Te Hiko kissed Mr McNeil on the cheek before they parted.

It was the first time the two men had met but the second time a member of the accused's family has approached Ms Dear's family to offer condolences.

Whetu Te Hiko's uncle, Bunny Te Hiko, shook Mr McNeil's hand when the two families met for the first time at the Tokoroa District Court last month.

During yesterday's appearance, Whetu Te Hiko hung his head and kept his back to the public gallery.

He was silent while lawyers made submissions on media applications to read evidence handed up in written form at his depositions hearing on September 19.

Crown and defence counsel voiced concerns that allowing media access to the evidence could prejudice the defendant's right to a fair trial.

Justice Paul Heath ruled that media were entitled to read but not publish the evidence without seeking further approval from the court.

Such applications would be considered at next month's callover.

"These orders balance the fair-trial and freedom-of-information issues that arise," Justice Heath said.

A trial is likely to be some way off - dates for other murder accused appearing at the Rotorua court yesterday were set down for the middle of next year.

Outside the court, Mr McNeil said he wished Te Hiko could go to trial sooner but understood the court was "clogged up".

He was also disappointed at the order preventing immediate publication of the depositions evidence.

"It's going to come out in time."

He said the family's emotions were still raw almost three months after his mother's body was found in her Strathmore School classroom on Sunday, July 16, as she prepared for the start of the new term.

"It's just such a headspin," he said.

"You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy.

"Our life ended on July 16. It's taken something away."