Teens in court over teacher's death

Retired teacher John Rowe was battered to death in his home last November. Photo / Supplied

A depositions hearing for two teenage girls and a young man charged over the death of retired Opotiki schoolteacher John Rowe is due to start today in Whakatane District Court.

Two teens, aged 17 and 15, are accused of the 78-year-old's murder.

A 21-year-old man is accused of being an accessory after the fact.

Mr Rowe was battered to death in bed at his home in Opotiki on November 26 last year.

He was a well-known figure in the town and taught mathematics at Opotiki College for 18 years until 1984. He was a widower with two adult children.

The hearing is expected to last two days.

- NZPA