Taiaha death trial continues this morning

Murder victim Johnny Wright.

The murder trial of Steven Rakuraku continues in the High Court in Napier this morning.

He's charged with beating to death 50-year-old Johnny Wright with a taiaha and burying him in a shallow grave near Eskdale in 2010.

The sickness beneficiary is facing 12 charges altogether, including kidnapping, assault, injuring with intent and perverting the course of justice.

Rakuraku is acting for himself, after dismissing his lawyer Russell Fairbrother QC who is now acting as a friend of the court.

The accused opened to the jury, saying they need to be lie detectors and fair and partial.