Teacher's accused killer faces depositions hearing

The man accused of murdering Tokoroa primary school teacher Lois Dear is to appear in Tokoroa District Court for a depositions hearing today.

New entrant teacher Ms Dear, 66, was found dead in her Strathmore Primary School, Tokoroa, classroom on Sunday, July 16.

She had been beaten to death while preparing for the start of the new school term the next day.

Whetu Te Hiko, 23, of Tokoroa, was arrested eight days later and charged with the teacher's murder.

More than 600 people attended Ms Dear's funeral in Thames and Strathmore school was inundated with flowers from all over the country.

Ms Dear's slaying led to many schools around the country reviewing their security measures.

- NZPA