Kiwi dad flees to clear head after son's murder

Kayden Wetere. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi dad Eddie Wetere has fled to a West Australian mine to clear his head, after his 22-month old son was allegedly murdered by the toddler's mother.

Wetere, 23, received the news that his son, Te Reringa Kayden Ashley, known as Kayden, was found floating in water at Hillarys Boat Harbour, a popular Perth tourist spot, in November last year.

The toddler's mother, Gemma Gay Killeen, appeared in a Perth court this week and pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder.

Killeen had reported her son missing, and several hours later his body was found in the ocean.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Hans Sauer, president of Nedland's Rugby Club, said Wetere was a strong and mature member of his club.

"He's doing it tough and one of the reasons why he's taken the job up north is, obviously, to try and take some time to see himself and get his head around things," Sauer said.

He said Wetere had "pretty strong family support".

In Killeen's first court appearance, her lawyer said there were mental health issues related to his client.

She has been remanded to reappear in the Western Australian Supreme Court on August 1.