An Opotiki man charged with killing 22-year-old Joe Collier has pleaded guilty to his manslaughter.
Tamaikoha Ruameke Takao appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today, where he was scheduled to go on trial for murder.
However before the trial could begin, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Mr Collier was killed on July 13, 2014 after a large fight in the Eastern Bay township.
Takao was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 16.