A Tokoroa man has denied murdering another man with a chainsaw part, and assaulting a female.
Wireless Ford, 29, pleaded not guilty when he appeared via audio-visual link in the High Court at Rotorua this morning.
The public gallery was full, and those seated remained quiet and still as defence lawyer Bill Lawson entered the plea on behalf of his client.
Ford is accused of murdering 48-year-old Korekore Tiaumaro Putai by striking him with a chainsaw bar on August 22, as well as assaulting a female, Solomae Shivaughn Winikerei by punching her in the side of head.