Photo: Supplied / Police
The man accused of murdering a Taranaki teenager last month has entered a not guilty plea.
Rakai Jacob Thompson, 25, of Waitara, appeared in the High Court at New Plymouth on Friday morning via audio visual link.
He is accused of stabbing to death 17-year-old Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley.
The Bell Block teenager suffered serious injuries at a Waitara address at about 12.45am on 20 July.
A promising rugby league player, he was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth, but later died of his injuries.
The public gallery was filled with friends and family of the teenager, one of whom performed karakia at the opening and closing of proceedings.
Thompson was remanded in custody and will reappear for a hearing in September.