Makutu manslaughter accused named

Name suppression has been lifted for nine family members charged over the death of Janet Moses during a makutu, or Maori exorcism ceremony, in Wainuiomata.

Suppression lapsed at midday today for John Tahana Rawiri, 49, Georgina Aroha Rawiri, 50, Tanginoa Apanui, 42, Hall Jones Wharepapa, 46, Angela Orupe, 36, Gaylene Tangiohororere Kepa, 44, Aroha Gwendoline Wharepapa, 48, and Alfred Hughes Kepa, 48, and Glenys Lynette Wright, 52, all deny charges of the manslaughter of Janet Moses, 22.

A man and a woman have also denied ill-treating a 14-year-old girl, causing her unnecessary harm. They have been granted permanent name suppression.

Ms Moses drowned during an apparent cleansing ceremony or makutu at her grandparents' home in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, in October 2007.

During the ceremony, which lasted several days, Ms Moses was restrained while family members poured water into her eyes and down her throat to exorcise an evil spirit.

Defence lawyers for the group say the family believed they were trying to help her and none were acting with any criminal intent.

The trial started in the High Court at Wellington on Monday and is set down for four to six weeks.

- NZPA