New Zealand / Regional

Not guilty plea over Taranaki murder

13:49 pm on 7 November 2014

A Taranaki man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of missing Opunake man Aaron Roigard.

The 50-year-old, who was flanked by two Corrections officers, appeared calm during his brief appearance in the High Court at New Plymouth today.

Mr Roigard, a father of two, was last seen near Waiteika Rd in Opunake, about 1pm on 2 June following a family disagreement.

Extensive land, sea and air searches failed to locate him.

The accused, who had interim name suppression, was arrested and charge with Mr Roigard's murder last month.

He was remanded in custody to reappear on Monday, 10 November when the court would consider arguments about bail and continued name suppression.