Three more teens charged with Murupara murder

Three more teenagers have been charged with murdering 17-year-old Kaine Lewis in the Bay of Plenty town of Murupara this month.

Mr Lewis was beaten and dumped on a driveway of a Murupara house, where he was found dying on October 3.

Two youths, aged 17 and 19, appeared in Rotorua District Court today while a 16-year-old was due to appear in the Youth Court.

The trio join Honi Taoho Norton, 18, and Hemi Winitana, 17, who were yesterday remanded in custody after their own court appearances.

All five were last week charged with participation in a criminal gang activity.

Acting Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Greg Sparrow said police were still speaking with others who may have been involved.

"The investigation doesn't end here with these arrests, there is a lot of work to be done and we continue to welcome any information from members of the public which may be relevant."

Mr Lewis was the second teenager to die in Murupara gang violence in nine months, prompting a protest in which hundreds of residents took to the streets last week.

They were joined by MPs Todd McClay and Te Ururoa Flavell, as well as police and Tribesman gang members.

- NZPA