Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price provides details on the 'horrific, traumatic and random attack' in Sockburn, Christchurch. Video / Kurt Bayer
The man accused of murdering Christchurch mother Laisa Tunidau just metres from her family home as she walked from her bus after work has appeared in court for a second time.
He still cannot be named publicly.
And the slain woman's husband has spoken for the first time about his loss - and how he found out about his wife's death - following her burial in Fiji.
Tunidau, 52, caught the bus home from work and was metres from her house on Cheyenne St, Sockburn, when she was attacked about 4.20pm on June 25.
Laisa Maraia Waka has been named as the victim in Saturday's fatal stabbing in Christchurch. Photo / Facebook
Tunidau's 11-year-old son has been left "traumatised" after watching emergency services try to save a woman outside his family home, not then knowing it was his mother.
Police found her alleged attacker nearby and he was later charged with murder.
The 37-year-old was a patient of the Canterbury District Health Board's specialist mental health service based at Hillmorton.
On Monday June 27, the man made a brief appearance in the Christchurch District Court.
He was granted interim name suppression and the judge sought a report under Section 38 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 to assess his fitness to stand trial.
The accused was remanded in custody until his appearance in the High Court at Christchurch today.
Justice Cameron Mander heard today the psychiatric report was not yet complete and additional reports were also being sought by the defence.
Defence lawyer Josh Lucas sought a six-week adjournment to allow time for the reports to be completed and filed with the court.
The man appeared by audio-visual link and did not speak during the short hearing.
Justice Mander set a prospective trial date for February 2024.
He extended the interim name suppression until at least August 26 when the accused will appear again.
Tunidau's body was taken home to Fiji and her funeral was held on July 5 in her village of Nabitu in Tailevu.
According to Fiji media, hundreds of family and friends - some who travelled from Christchurch - attended the service.
Nemani Tunidau told the Fiji Times the last time saw his wife was the morning of her alleged murder.
He dropped her at work before travelling to visit Fijian workers at Waimate.
"When I was in Waimate, I was with a Fijian man who works in government and they have some kind of network where they are alerted if something happens or an accident happens around New Zealand," he said.
"I heard them saying that someone was stabbed in Christchurch but they didn't mention anything in detail to me."
Nemani Tunidau later went to his pastor's home and his son was there.
The police then told Nemani Tunidau about the alleged murder.
He described his wife as a softly spoken and humble woman.
Cheyenne St in Sockburn, Christchurch, after a fatal stabbing yesterday. Photo / Kurt Bayer
Almost a week after the alleged murder the CDHB confirmed a full review had been launched into how the accused was allowed into the community.
"Whenever a serious adverse event occurs involving patients in our care a full review is carried out. A serious event review looks carefully into the care provided," said CDHB chief executive Dr Peter Bramley.
"I can assure the public that if there are recommendations for changes to be made as a result of our own, or any external review, these will be actioned.
"We continue to assist police with their investigations and as this matter is before the courts it is not appropriate for us to provide any further comment at this time."
An adult son is a police officer based at the Sigatoka Police Station.
The local Fijian community in Christchurch rallied around her husband and son after her death, arranging them somewhere to stay away from the crime scene outside their home.
A Givealittle page set up to support the family has raised more than $67,000.
Tunidau has three children living back in Fiji.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price talks to media about the fatal stabbing. Photo / Kurt Bayer
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price said the alleged murder was "a horrific, traumatic and random attack on an innocent person who was simply making her way home from work".
For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service. The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts on its website
