Tokoroa murder accused named

Whetu Te Hiko at Tokoroa District Court today. Picture / Alan Gibson

The man charged with the murder of Tokoroa teacher Lois Dear has been named.

Whetu Te Hiko, a 23-year-old local man, appeared in court in the town today and was remanded in custody until September 19 when he will face a depositions hearing.

His lawyer Harry Edward did not make any application to have name suppression, which was granted last week, extended.

Te Hiko, who is unemployed, kept his head down during this morning's two minute appearance and had his back to the public gallery.

He wore a hooded top tightly pulled over his head after as he was led to court from the cells.

Members of his family were in court and one woman shouted "Love you, bro" during the hearing. There was no repeat of the angry scenes which accompanied his first court appearance last week.

Mrs Dear's body was found in a classroom at Strathmore School in Tokoroa two weeks ago.

A pre-depositions hearing, which Te Hiko will not have to attend, will be held on August 23.