Man charged with murder after fatal stabbing at Waikanae Beach appears in court

A man accused of a fatal stabbing in Waikanae Beach has appeared in court this morning, but his identity remains suppressed.

The man attended court in a dark blue boiler suit, where his lawyer asked for a remand without plea until a date in early July.

He is charged with murder by stabbing, following an incident on Napier Grove in Waikanae, north of Wellington, late yesterday afternoon.

The man’s lawyer asked for interim name suppression for the 31-year-old, and also asked for the reasons for name suppression to be suppressed. Judge Andrew Nicholls granted the application.

The name of the victim is also suppressed.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pete Middlemiss yesterday said police responded to reports of a man having suffered serious injuries following an altercation about 4.20pm.

“The man received medical attention at the scene, but sadly died.

“Another man who was at the house, known to the victim, is speaking with police and assisting with inquiries.

“Police do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public. Inquiries into the circumstances of what occurred are ongoing.”

Police officers on the scene in Napier Grove, Waikanae Beach. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Photo / Mark Mitchell

Middlemiss said a scene examination will be conducted at the Napier Grove address over the coming days. A post-mortem is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

Police officers could be seen stationed outside the house on Wednesday morning.

Local Ōtaki MP Tim Costley took to his social media last night to speak of the death.

“Really sad to hear of the tragic loss of life at Waikanae Beach.

“My thoughts are with family and friends, and all those who serve our community and were involved this afternoon in trying to save him,” Costley wrote.