Beach Haven stabbing: Teens accused of murdering Joshuah Tasi plead not guilty

Two teenagers charged with the murder of Joshuah Tasi in Beach Haven this month pleaded not guilty when they appeared in the Auckland High Court today.

It was the second court appearance for the pair, after a tense first hearing at the North Shore District Court on March 6.

Lawyer for teenagers, aged 14 and 17, Marie Taylor-Cyphers, referred to them as boys, but Justice Timothy Brewer said “youths” was a more appropriate term.

“I know you’re shaping the battlefield but I think youths rather than boys would be more appropriate given their ages,” Justice Brewer said.

The youths appeared via audio-visual link from secure Oranga Tamariki residences. They were supported by communication assistants.

Justice Brewer scheduled a four-week trial starting May 13, 2024.

The pair were granted automatic name suppression when they appeared in the Youth Court at the North Shore District Court.

This lapsed at their first High Court appearance today. Taylor-Cyphers sought ongoing suppression but this was opposed in court by Crown prosecutor Alysha McClintock.

Justice Brewer set a hearing date of April 26 where arguments for and against suppression will be heard.

Interim name suppression continues until then.

Joshuah Tasi died in Beach Haven this month.

Both teenagers were remanded in the continuing custody of Oranga Tamariki.

A small number of people in the High Court for the hearing remained quiet throughout, and there was no repeat of the tense scenes at the North Shore District Court during their first appearance.

Tasi was fatally stabbed on Beach Haven Rd on the night of Friday, March 3.