Bail continues for Turangi cold case accused

Rodney Tahu was married with two sons when he was shot dead 32 years ago. Photo / Supplied

Name suppression for a 70-year-old Rotorua man charged with the 1979 murder of Rodney Tahu in Turangi has been lifted - but he still can't be named publicly.

The man appeared in the Rotorua District Court today when his lawyer, Jonathan Temm, argued name suppression should continue.

Judge Phillip Cooper disagreed and lifted name suppression but Mr Temm has appealed the decision in the High Court.

The man is charged with the 1979 murder of Mr Tahu, a service station attendant. He has not entered a plea to the charge.

The man has been remanded on continued bail until February 10.

The case is thought to be the longest-running cold case in New Zealand to end in an arrest.

Mr Tahu was found with gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder and died shortly after arriving at Taumarunui Hospital.